The official start was given to the international Peace Run, embodying humanity's universal aspiration for peace, with a symbolic ceremony at the Vassil Levski National stadium in Sofia.

Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova lit the torch which the international team will carry to dozens of countries. This is the first time Sofia is hosting the big start in the 31-year long history of the run. In the days to come it will pass through 11 towns in Bulgaria and then all countries of Europe. The run has so far covered a total of 635,000 sq. kms. in more than 150 countries. The most popular torch bearers in its history have been Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, Mikhail Gorbachev, Vaclav Havel, sporting legends Mohammad Ali, Carl Lewis, Paul Tergat and many other celebrities.