The annual race is sponsored by Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, the Vatican's official travel agency, and the Israeli tourism ministry. The hope is that events like these will not only encourage pilgrimages and tourism, but establish peace and build long-lasting relationships with people of various faith backgrounds. The race began at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and ended at Jerusalem's Notre Dame Centre. The event also featured a friendly soccer match between participants and brought out Italian football stars Luigi Di Biagio, Albertini Demetrio and Tommasi Damiano, among others. - Photo credit: Israel Government Tourist Office