A relay run across America dedicated to the cause of world harmony reached the South Coast today and will pass through the Bay Area on Tuesday.

Runners in the 50-state USA World Harmony Run are carrying a flaming torch to symbolize their goal of harmony through sports. Organizers said the relay is intended to inspire others to also work for a more harmonious world.

The runners have worked their way through Oregon the past week, and were scheduled to reach Brookings late this morning. On Tuesday, they are scheduled to be in Bandon by 10 a.m. and Coos Bay at 1:40 p.m., before continuing up the coast to Reedsport. They will hit Florence on Wednesday morning as they trek up U.S. Highway 101.

Local residents are encouraged to join the runners or to cheer them on their run.

The World Harmony Run touches the lives of millions of people along its route, organizers said. The runners visit schools, community groups, running clubs and local and national government organizations. At these stops they talk about their experiences and share their inspiration and enthusiasm for the goal of world harmony.

"By carrying the torch, you will be bridging cultural and social barriers, and all the boundaries that separate nation from nation. The trials on the road to world harmony are no greater than the courage of those who accept the challenge," said Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic gold medalist and World Harmony Run spokesman, in a press release.

The 11,000-mile USA World Harmony Run is part of the 70-nation global relay, which emphasizes the theme of international harmony and multi-cultural understanding, and has been held every other year since 1987. The World Harmony Run includes simultaneous running events in Canada, Eastern and Western Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. It is sponsored by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, an international running organization that puts on hundreds of athletic events worldwide each year.

The World Harmony Run has been endorsed by many of the nation's mayors, governors and members of Congress, by world-class athletes like Lewis and Grete Waitz, by leaders of numerous countries, by the late Pope John Paul II, the late Mother Teresa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu as well as many others.

For more information, those interested can call (888) 882-4081 or visit http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/usa.