On Monday, October 24th, 2011, hundreds of Palestinians, Israelis and Italians will take part in a 10 kilometre marathon run from the Church of The Nativity in Bethlehem to the Notre Dame complex in Jerusalem. The event is the 8th John Paulus II Peace Marathon, initiated by the official Vatican pilgrimage organization, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.
Joint Marathon Continues the Aims of Pope John Paul II
The 'marathon', offers a unique opportunity for pilgrims from Italy and other European countries, runners from Bethlehem and Israeli runners to join together to support and promote camaraderie. The intention of the run is to maintain, emphasise and exemplify the course set by Pope John Paul II – one of peace and friendship between different nationalities and religious beliefs.
International Runners Participate
Besides the many pilgrims taking part, at least 300 runners have signed up to participate in the 8th John Paulus II Peace Marathon:
150 Italian runners have confirmed their participation; they will be joined by 150 Palestinians, Israelis, and Italian football stars Albertini Demetrio, Di Biagio Luigi, Tommasi Damiano, Peruzzi Angelo and Bonavina Diego. Other runners 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 will accompany the 'marathon' participants.
Itinerary: 8th John Paul II Bethlehem-Jerusalem Peace Marathon
Shortly after the arrival of the runners from Bethlehem, Israeli, Palestinian and Italian football players will participate in a friendly football tournament at Rachel’s Crossing, the border check-point between Israel and the Palestinian Authority controlled area located on the road leading from Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
07:30: Israeli runners enter Bethlehem.
08:00: Palestinian, Italian and Israeli participants run from Bethlehem to the Rachel Crossing.
08:40: Runners arrive at Bethlehem crossing; a torch ceremony takes place.
08:50: A friendly football match between Israeli, Palestinian and Italian players.
09:30: The Peace Marathon continues onto the Notre Dame Church.
11:00: The closing ceremony at the Notre Dame complex in Jerusalem.
The Jerusalem Municipality and Police Department, the Civil Authority and the Italian Olympic Committee will join together to oversee the smooth management of this unique event.
Support the Marathon Participants
Pilgrims can add to their Holy Land experience by participating in the 8th John Paul II Bethlehem-Jerusalem Peace Marathon or supporting the runners along their route on their way to the Notre Dame Church complex in Jerusalem.
Source:
Israel Ministry of Tourism: Lydia Weitzman, Foreign Press Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism, 17/10/2011
Lesley Lanir - Freelance writer, lecturer and teacher trainer Lesley Lanir, writes on foreign language learning disorders, linguistics, and literature.
