World record holder runs for peace in Inuvik, around the world

Suresh Joachim has broken more than 60 Guinness World Records in the last 20 years.

Since Christmas Day 2017, Joachim has been trying to break another record – to raise the most money as a single person through a charity run.

Joachim, who resides in Mississauga, Ontario, has been travelling around the world to run in more than 120 cities in 72 countries and raise money.

He said when he runs, he invites local community members of all ages to run the 21 kilometers with him, which usually takes about three hours.

So far, Joachim has raised $10,200. His goal is to raise approximately $25 million in order to break the record.

The money he raises will be donated to World Vision, an international Christian humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization.

"I'm trying to really kick it into high gear now and reach the goal," said Joachim. "We're going to be really promoting this now."

He said he has been meeting with politicians, ambassadors and community members to fundraise and share his message of peace.

Part of his run, which he has dubbed the World Peace Marathon, is to spread a message of world peace. His slogan is "no poverty, no disease, no war."

"If you can eliminate poverty, there will be no war," said Joachim.

On Friday last week, Joachim met with Inuvik Mayor Jim McDonald, who accepted Joachim's peace torch in an act of solidarity with his cause.

Joachim ran in both Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk to raise money for his cause, and continued on to Yellowknife to do the same.

Another aspect of Joachim's effort is to initiate a 24-hour worldwide ceasefire on August 1, 2019.

"I want to have a day where we can all come to the table and discuss our problems," he said. "This will be on the 24-hour ceasefire day."

He said he has had several leaders agree to this day so far.

Joachim said he is often asked why he is running in Canada.

"People in Canada are struggling and we have to start helping them, too," he said. "Many Canadians don't realize this."

Joachim's run will end September 22 in Toronto, Ontario.

He is asking Canadians to donate what they can to his cause through his website, www.WorldPeaceMarathon.com or through his page on the World Vision Canada website.