The 6th annual Palestine Marathon was held on March 23 in Bethlehem.
Under a blazing sun and 30 degrees Celsius, the marathon, like in previous years, attracted people from all over the West Bank, Jerusalem and also from abroad. Thousands of people took part in this year’s event.
The marathon has been running since April 2013 with the aim to organise a race in protest against Israeli imposed checkpoints and raise awareness for freedom of movement in the West Bank.
On October 13, 2017, the Palestine Marathon was has been officially recognised by the international association of Athletics Federations.
This year, four different distances were proposed to the athlete: 5km, 10km, 21km and the iconic 42.195km. The race takes the runners through different views on Palestinian everyday life.
Starting at the Church of Nativity, the route winds through two refugee camps - Aida and Ad Dheisheh - and along the separation wall.
“It was a very emotional run” Johnny, a British competitor told Palestine Monitor.
This year’s marathon was won by Ukrainian Yuri Vladigier in the mens race, and by French Anaïs Quemener for the women.
Pixel Co
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