Italian, Israeli athletes run for peace from Jerusalem to Bethlehem

Published: 2004-04-27

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- With one runner carrying a lighted torch blessed by Pope John Paul II, a group of 30 Italian and Israeli athletes began a 6.2 mile Jerusalem-to-Bethlehem Peace Marathon to the cheers of some 150 Italian pilgrims. "Bless this noble initiative of peace and brotherhood," Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar of Rome and president of the Italian bishops' conference, told participants before the April 23 race began. "These athletes are ambassadors of peace ... and a symbol of what is possible of peace and dialogue." Included among the runners were Italians Moreno Argentin, former 1997 World Cycling Road Race champion, and Eddy Ottoz, bronze medalist in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. The race was organized by the Vatican's pilgrimage organizer, known as the Vatican Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, as well as the Italian bishops' conference and the Italian Olympics Committee, with the cooperation of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism.

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