HUNDREDS OF IZRAELIS, PALESTINIANS AND ITALIANS WILL RUN TOMORROW IN THE 8th JOHN PAUL II BETHLEHEM-JERUSALEM
PEACE MARATHON
Hundreds of Palestinians, Izraelis and Italians will run the 10 kilometers from the Church of The Nativity in Bethlehem to the Notre Dame complex in Jerusalem under the banner of the 8th John Paulus II Peace Marathon tomorrow Monday, October 24th, 2011. The unique marathon, an initiative led by the official Vatican pilgrimage organization Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, offers a fascinating encounter between pilgrims from Italy and other European countries, runners from Bethlehem and Israeli runners. The goal of the run is to continue the path of Pope John Paul II – one of peace, camaraderie and companionship between peoples and religions.
300 runners are expected to participate in the festive marathon, to take place this year for the eighth time, in addition to the many pilgrims who will accompany the runners on their journey. 150 runners from Italy have confirmed their participation, running alongside 150 Palestinians and Izraelis. Participants will be accompanied by Italian football stars – Albertini Demetrio, Di Biagio Luigi, Tommasi Damiano, Peruzzi Angelo and Bonavina Diego. Other participants include Giusy Versace, an international sprinter who lost her leg in a car accident and runs with prosthetics, as well as Martina Colombari, an Italian actress and former Miss Italy.
Shortly after the arrival of the runners from Bethlehem, a friendly football tournament will take place at Rachel’s Crossing, with the participation of Israeli, Palestinian and Italian football players. Below is the estimated itinerary for the marathon:
07:45 Suggested arrival time at Church of the Nativity Plaza for journalists covering the start in Bethlehem
08:30 The Palestinian, Italian and Israeli runners run from Bethlehem to the Rachel Crossing
09:00 Runners arrive at Rachel’s Crossing; torch ceremony
09:15 Football match
10:00 Continue with the Peace Marathon to the Notre Dame Church
11:00 Closing ceremony at the Notre Dame complex
The Jerusalem Municipality and Police Department, the Civil Authority and the Italian Olympic Committee have joined forces to ensure the marathon is a success, accompanying the runners along the entire track.
