2008 Summer Olympics torch relay 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay The 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from March 24 until August 8, 2008, prior to the 2008 Summer Olympics, with the theme of "one world, one dream". Plans for the relay were announced on April 26, 2007, in Beijing, China. The relay, also called by the organizers as the "Journey of Harmony", lasted 129 days and carried the torch – the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition was started ahead of the 1936 Summer Olympics. After being lit at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia, Greece on
2010 Summer Youth Olympics torch relay the end of each day, the flame would be returned to the safety lantern. The safety lantern was also used to keep backup flames lit, allowing the main torch to be re-lit should it go out. At least three safety lanterns were kept lit throughout the duration of the relay. The cauldron, not to be confused with the Olympic cauldron lit during the opening ceremony, was lit at each community celebration site. These were found at the last location of activities during the relay at the 5 cities visited, as well as at the end of each day during the