Following the success of the third International Jerusalem Winner Marathon in March 2013 in which over 20,000 runners from more than 54 nations participated, plans are well underway for the 2014 International Jerusalem Marathon on Friday, March 21, 2014. The events include a full marathon, a half-marathon and a 10K run – all of which pass through Jerusalem’s unique landscape, rich in history, religion and culture.

The Jerusalem marathon offers runners the chance to compete in a setting of unparalleled natural and cultural beauty unlike any other international marathon course. The topography of the city lends itself to a challenging route that will test even the most experienced of runners. At the same time, the course takes the runner on a unique path through Jerusalem’s 2000 year historical narrative, on the cobblestones of the ancient and holy walled city of Jerusalem and through the modern city center of Israel’s capital. The course includes the city’s best known sites including, among others, the Knesset, the Old City, Sultan's Pool, Mount Zion, the German Colony, the Jerusalem Promenade and the Mount of Olives.

In addition to the longer distance races, there is also a 4.2 run open to the general public and a 800 meter run named “Running for a Cause”, in which thousands of runners raise money through sponsorship for various non-profit organizations operating in Jerusalem that have made it their goal to support the city's underprivileged groups.

Over the last few years, thousands have participated in this race, transforming it into Israel's largest social race. Among those who chose to run for the none-profit organizations are also prominent figures from the world of entertainment and music, Knesset members, public figures and many more.

• SHALVA, the Association for Physically & Mentally Challenged Children in Israel, provides services to more than 500 participants with special needs from birth to adulthood. Believing that the care of children with special needs should not be left to the family alone, it endeavors to create a therapeutic environment in which children with special needs can thrive and grow. From humble beginnings, SHALVA has become a leader in the field of disability awareness and intervention in the Middle East.
  Team SHALVA is a unique and dedicated training program, uniting runners of all backgrounds and ages and assisting them to walk, run or combine the two for the upcoming Jerusalem Full and Half Marathons.

• The Israel Cancer Association was established in 1952 with the aim of reducing cancer morbidity and mortality and enhancing patients' quality of life as a non-profit organization. Leading medical personnel and research scientists from all over the country who provide their services on a volunteer basis. The ICA runs a volunteer network consisting of 3,500 volunteers who are active in 70 branches extending across the country. The volunteers engage in diverse social welfare activities on behalf of cancer patients and different public information activities in order to increase awareness about cancer diseases, and the importance of preventive and early detection methods and procedures.
  

• Yachad, an agency of the Orthodox Union, is dedicated to addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities and including them in the Jewish community. All monies raised by runners on the team will go directly to help those with disabilities attend events in Israel, including our famous Shabbatonim, summer programs, Yachad cruise and an array of other activities.
  Team Yachad is the most fun and exciting way to both have the time of your life and help those with disabilities at the same time! We provide everything! including registration cost, cool team gear and shirt, many team events (including a weekend), a training program and lots more!
  

• Zichron Menachem is the story of one determined boy and two devoted parents. Though Menachem died of cancer at the age of 15, he valiantly fought his illness, inspiring his parents to establish an organization dedicated to assisting cancer ridden children and their families. Zichron Menachem provides services to all Israeli citizens, regardless of race, gender or creed, helping 750 individuals annually, both cancer stricken individuals and their families. To do this, the organization employs 3,000 volunteers nationwide: day center staff, hospital staff, camp staff, blood and bone marrow sample donors, and more.
  

• Chaiyanu  is the Israel affiliate of Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network dedicated to bringing joy and hope to seriously ill children battling cancer and terminal illness and their families. The funds raised by Team Lifeline Israel go towards our year-round services and programs.
  Team Lifeline Israel is a fun and innovative endurance training program that proves you can go the distance for Chaiyanu's kids.
  
  

• Beit Issie Shapiro is Israel’s leading organization innovating therapies for children with disabilities and their families. We share our knowledge throughout Israel and promote full inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Beit Issie Shapiro was given the inaugural award as the most effective non-for-profit in Israel and is a Special Consultant on Disabilities to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

• Hineni Jerusalem is a non-profit organization focusing on social concerns, Jewish unity, the betterment of society and inspiring people of all faiths and nations to strive for peace and Justice. Hineni Jerusalem’s contributions to society include: assistance to survivors of terror, troubled youth, Holocaust survivors and the disadvantaged. It also provides humanitarian aid in times of war, or natural disasters. Its center offers a soup kitchen, various therapies for support and recovery, educational programs, cultural events, holiday celebrations - continually creating programs as the need arises.

• For over 25 years PTACH - Israel has been helping children with learning difficulties to succeed in school and in life. PTACH's professional staff of educators, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists work with our children to help them achieve their potential. PTACH - Israel services over 350 children in over 15 schools in Jerusalem as well as two afternoon clinics. PTACH also does educational evaluations and ADHD coaching. By joining PTACH - Israel's marathon team you are helping our children reach the finish line for a brighter and more successful future.

• Tikvot knows that sports participation plays a major role in the rebuilding of the victim’s self esteem and assist him/her to come to terms with their disability. The aim is to enable each to become once again an active participant in society and become the young leaders of tomorrow. Tikvot assists Israeli citizens and soldiers wounded in military actions and terror attacks.

• Merkaz Panim was founded in February 2011 as a non-profit organization dedicated to provide support and nurturing to those facing fertility challenges. Highly trained professionals in a wide range of fields, including social workers, personal trainers, massage therapists, yoga instructors, dance therapists and others provide a discrete, relaxed and healthy environment. This year Merkaz Panim is joining the many teams participating in the Jerusalem Marathon.

• DROR was founded in memory of Rikki and Rachelli Menora, who passed away in a tragic plane accident on July 13, 2010 along with their grandfather and cousin. Its aim is to build self-esteem in girls that are ‘falling through the cracks’ and works with schools and sports facilities to give girls the help they need to reach their fullest potential.

• Crossroads Jerusalem provides critically needed programs and social services for at-risk, English-speaking youth in Israel, who are homeless, struggling with drug addiction and violence/domestic abuse, as well as those with social, emotional, and educational difficulties. Crossroads offers an alternative to the streets, with the aim of instilling in every at-risk teen the hope, motivation, tools, and direction for a better future.