Hundreds of PA (Palestinian Authority) residents, Israelis and Italians will run the 10 kilometers from the Church of The Nativity in Bet Lechem 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 an encounter between pilgrims from Italy and other European countries, runners from Bethlehem and Israeli runners.

300 runners are expected to participate in the 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 PA residents and Israelis. 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, PA and Italian football players.

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.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)