The Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon is an annual international event, which takes place in the beginning of the spring season in Jerusalem. The first complete Jerusalem Marathon was held in 2011 with 10, 000 participants from around the world.
This year, on the eight edition, about 35,000 runners from 72 different countries from around the world ran through a breathtaking route; including the Sultan's Pool, Mishkenot Sha'ananim, Mount Zion, the German Colony, Rehavia, the Armon Hanatziv Promenade, Ammunition Hill, Sacher Park, Mount Scopus, the Mount of Olives and other sites. It included six races: a full marathon race (42.195 km), a half marathon race (21.1 km), a 10 km race, a 5 km race, a family race of 1.7 km, and an 800-meter social run, in which 5,000 runners ran in honor of social organizations that took part in the marathon.
Haile Gebrselassie ran the 10-kilometer race alongside Nir Barkat, the mayor of Jerusalem and the mayor of Nice, Christian Astrosi, who ran in the marathon to express his solidarity against terrorism. Haile also met with young aspiring athletes, the Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop and concluded his journey with a relaxing visit to the Dead Sea, including the spectacular historical site of Masada.
Many ran for glory, health or the thrill of it. Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon provides participants with a unique opportunity just more than that. Each year, participants run through the very streets where kings and prophets walked, against the backdrop of Jerusalem’s cultural and historical landscapes. It is a unique, breathtaking and run through the century's experience. Additionally, The Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon is the most socially engaged marathon in Israel, with over 6,000 runners participating to promote social causes.
It is these unique features that makes the Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon stand out from the crowd, attracting thousands and making it a not be missed event of the year.
The winner of this year's edition was Shadrack Kipkogey, 27, from Kenya, who reached the finish line at 2:21:26. Second place was Tilahun Damtewesen, 29, of Ethiopia, at 2:21:55. To third place: Ronald Kimeli Kurgat, 32, from Kenya, at 2:22:22.
In Pictures
