(ANS – Rome) – Friday 1st November saw the 6th Saints Run, a foot race which takes place on the Feast of All Saints, celebrating the values of sport and also supporting Salesian mission activity around the world.

The day's activities commenced at 8.30 am with Mass open to all participants. This was celebrated in St Peter's Basilica by Fr Guido Errico, Vice president of International Volunteers for Development (VIS).

The competitive events followed. The Mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino, and the president of the Don Bosco nel Mondo Foundation, Fr Tullio Orler set things in motion. “This event, with its charitable aim, is very important for our city,” Mayor Marino told the ADNKronos news Agency, “because it shows how we can link physical activity, so important for a better quality of life, with charity.”

“Salesians are constantly involved in supporting humanitarian works around the world”– Fr Orler said. “Year after year we choose the poorest and most isolated parts of the world, in this case the Solomon Islands where there are few hospitals.”

In terms of participation, the Saints Run showed an increase even over last year's already greater numbers: around 4,000 professional runners took to the 10.5 km circuit, and more than 1,500 non-professionals. 3,764 reached the finishing line, almost 1,000 more than last year. It should be noted that there were many families, children, the elderly and even disabled persons involved. Their commitment and just the joy of seeing them there makes the Saints Run more than just an important sporting event; it is a celebration of life.

Kenyan runners dominated the professional group, coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd amongst the men and the women's categories. Daniel Kipkirui Ngeno, who finished in 30:35, the 1st amongst the men; Eunice Chebet, in 35:08, was the winner of the women's division.

At the end of the event, satisfied and happy, participants attended the Angelus with Pope Francis and received his blessing.

Published 04/11/2013