The Fourth Annual Peace Run was held Wednesday from Bethlehem to the old city of Jerusalem, with participants from Israel and Palestine Authority as a gesture of friendship.

The ten kilometer course began at Manger Square in Bethlehem at 10:00 am, proceed north through the Rachel's Tomb crossing and continued north on Hebron Road to Mt. Zion.The race concluded near the Jerusalem Archaeological Park in the old city.

At the Rachel's Tomb crossing, a Palestinian runner handed over the Olympic flag to his Israeli counterpart and then joined the race.

"The handover of the Olympic flag is regarded as a symbol of goodwill between the Palestinians and Israeli people," Bar Moshe, spokesman of the Israel Ministry of Tourism told Xinhua. "We appreciate this initiative that exalts the value of sports at the service of peace and contributes towards greater understanding amongst peoples."

Seventy-five sportsmen from Italy, Israel and the Palestinian Authority participate in the race, said the Israel Ministry of Tourism, one of the sponsors of the marathon.

The marathon, which is being held for the fourth year in the name of Pope John Paul II, aims at encouraging peace in the region and Catholic pilgrimages to the Holy Land.