Running involves not only the body but also the mind and heart. Commitment, perseverance, discipline are some aspects that configure the lifestyle of a runner. Running also expresses a depth that involves the spiritual dimension, which goes beyond the physical aspect and that moves the desire, joy, passion.
The Easter dawn, Mary of Magdala, runs to announce that the tomb is empty:
“She ran (τρέχει) then and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one that Jesus loved, and said to them: 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have placed him!”.
Gospel according to John 20,1-2
John and Peter also run to the tomb.
"Peter then went out with the other disciple and went to the tomb. They ran together both (ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ), but the other disciple ran faster (προέδραμεν τάχιον) than Peter and arrived first at the tomb".
Gospel according to John 20, 3-4.
The image of running - a powerful metaphor for life - also expresses the depth, tension, and joy of faith:
I have not yet reached the goal, I have not arrived at perfection; but I strive to run to conquer it (καταλάβω), because I too have been conquered (κατελήμφθην) by Christ Jesus
Letter to the Philippians 3,12
Sport and faith, together to help
"As love grows within you, so does beauty. For love is the beauty of the soul."
St. Augustine
The gift of gratuity, beauty, and solidarity
Gratuity contemplates beauty.
Running is simply beautiful. Running also has a great revealing power. It often gives new perspectives on the places where it is lived.
The San Francesco Marathon is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of creation in a place of blessing: Assisi.
At the same time, it will help to discover corners, colors, details that pilgrims or tourists do not always manage to visit.
Solidarity
La maratona nasce per aiutare. I runners nel momento in cui vivono una passione (la corsa), formeranno parte di un progetto di solidarietà. Perché “l’amore è la bellezza dell’anima” (Sant’Agostino).
La partecipazione alla maratona consentirà di unire la corsa e la solidarietà.
Registering for the marathon will support aid projects of the Diocese of Assisi and the civil institutions of the area, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.
