French citizens in a community near Paris joined Israelis in demonstrating their commitment to keeping the plight of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit before the public eye, with a special marathon Sunday near Paris.

The run is sponsored by a French group called the "Collectif Liberte pour Gilad" that was recently formed with the help of Shalit's family, who are French citizens.

A number of French celebrities were on the roster to participate in the event