Yesterday was the 6th annual half-marathon/5k in Pristina organized by the Kosovar government and corporate sponsors. Like last year, a lot of volunteers (and one volunteer’s father from America) ran in the races along with about 4000 other people. These races are inclusive to all populations across Kosovo and are supposed to promote the values of peace, tolerance and sportsmanship. 

These values are important regardless of where you are in the world but particularly in Kosovo. Sportsmanship is good because while exercise and sports are not hugely popular in this country, they are growing in popularity and being a goods sportsman in both the game or race and afterwards is just a valuable attribute in one’s character. But even more important for Kosovo is the promotion of the values of peace and tolerance. As a post-conflict country with a very recent history of a terrible and bloody war preceded by years of hatred, discrimination and lower-level conflicts, Kosovo is a peaceful country now. But that peace can be easily disturbed when ethnic tensions are stoked and one of the number things that I have learned here is that peace doesn’t come easily. But as long as the population continues to fight for it with the backing of international partners (like the Peace Corps, EULEX and KFOR), it is possible. And it should be encouraged in any way, in any event. 

Lastly, tolerance. Tolerance goes hand in hand with peace in Kosovo as ethnic groups who don’t have great histories with one another must learn to accept and tolerate each other’s presence, culture and beliefs if this country is to move forward. 

Running this race yesterday with other volunteers and seeing how many locals came out to run for all of these values gave me a lot of hope for Kosovo’s future. 

My cohort’s runners (minus Jess)