June 15, 2004

Scientologist and Human Rights Fighter Runs in Caen Marathon

Joined by three other Scientologists, ultra-marathoner John Radich came to Caen, Normandy to take part in the “Liberty Marathon” being held this weekend to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings that began the liberation of France. The Caen marathon is the latest of dozens in which John has run for human rights, specifically to encourage people to learn about and use the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created in the wake of World War II.

John, from Monrovia, California, is no stranger to hard running. He has taken part in marathons all over the world, including more than 100 ultramarathons. In July 2003, he ran 157 miles across Calfornia’s “Death Valley” in 130-degree temperatures to the top of Mt. Whitney, a grueling race that has been described as the toughest on earth.

John is also a regular participant in the annual human rights marathons organized by the Church of Scientology International in coordination with the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance. On one such marathon, John and his fellow-athletes ran from Athens, birthplace of democracy and the Olympics, 4,000 miles to Hamburg. The marathon lasted more than six weeks and included dozens of stops in villages, towns and cities in which John and the team spoke to officials and public about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Says John, “I try to direct my physical energy during marathon events towards a ‘higher purpose.’” He says that the Declaration “needs to be taught in schools and institutions in order for us to understand that the 30 articles describing our human rights are fundamental to all people.” During his travels as a long-distance athlete, John has witnessed serious violations of the Declaration, making him even more determined to champion the landmark document.

While in Normany taking part in the Caen marathon, John gave interviews to local radio and newspapers about his purpose for running. He also visited community leaders and spoke to them about the importance of reaffirming support for human rights. For as John says, quoting humanitarian and educator, L. Ron Hubbard, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”