The Milan Marathon on April 12, 2026, was filled with smiling faces as Adventist runners participated to support two educational projects led by ADRA Italy.

"I’m not just running for myself. I’m running because every step can become a future for someone." This was one of the most poignant comments captured during this special solidarity marathon. On April 12, numerous runners donned the purple shirts of ADRA Italy and the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 8x1000 fund, united for the Milan Relay Marathon.

The 8x1000 program is an Italian tax system in which taxpayers choose to donate 0.8% of their income tax to a recognized religion or to the state for social or humanitarian projects.

Following the solidarity relay in Rome on March 22, runners arrived in the Lombard capital with a shared objective: supporting ADRA Italy’s educational initiatives under the RUN4ADRA banner.

Continuity and community engagement

The event confirmed its growing popularity, involving athletes of all ages from Adventist churches across various parts of the city.

"Many people stopped by our booth because they had met us in previous years," said Emiliana Vittorini, head of promotion for the 8x1000 fund. "Others approached us to learn more. We distributed a notebook designed to tell the story of our projects in a unique way: every page represents an aspect of the work our organizations carry out through volunteers and 8x1000 funding. This allows everyone to experience these stories tangibly—whether they sign the tax allocation, work on the front lines, or get to know the projects by coloring [in the books]."

The organization of the two marathons was overseen by the Opera Sociale Avventista (OSA - Adventist Welfare Service) in collaboration with ADRA Italy. 

Elisa Gravante, the organization's project manager, played a fundamental role in the operational and fundraising efforts. "It was an adventure lived with great enthusiasm. We believe this is what it means to 'be human': standing together, having fun, and believing that change is still possible," Gravante emphasized.

Running for a cause

The proceeds from the two marathons help sustain and maintain the continuity of ADRA educational centers active in Gravina in Puglia and Palermo.

In Palermo, the project Sono bravo anch’io (I’m Good, Too) has been active for 11 years, supporting 100 children and teenagers over the decade. Today, it regularly hosts about twenty students, guided by church volunteers and teachers.

"We do more than just after-school tutoring," explained Giovanna, a project volunteer. "We study with them, play, listen, and create a space where they feel comfortable. When a child struggles in school, they often lose self-confidence. That is what we work on."

Vincent, a former participant, shared his journey: "I’ve been in Italy for eleven years. When I arrived, the project was just beginning, and we met at a volunteer’s home. It was fundamental for me. It helped me study, but more importantly, it helped me realize I could succeed. Now that I’m at university doing what I love, I return to the center as a volunteer to do for others what was done for me. I know firsthand how much support can improve a life."

The original article was published on the Inter-European Division news site.