​(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)

The 1st Diplomatic Race will take place in Jerusalem this morning (Sunday, 3 April 2016).

Over 450 people, including foreign diplomats serving in Israel, foreign journalists and members of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are expected to participate in the race, the first of its kind to be held in Israel,

The race, which will start at 09:15, has two routes – a 10 route for runners and a 3 km route for walkers. The starting point is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the scenic route will take the participants past Sacher Park and through the Valley of the Cross.

A joint initiative of Israel's Foreign Ministry and Jerusalem municipality's division of sports, the event is regarded as a different, innovative way of conducting diplomacy between countries. While diplomats usually meet each other in air-conditioned offices dressed in business attire, today the participants in the diplomatic race will be wearing sporting clothes and trainers, and will be able to enjoy Jerusalem’s beautiful and unique scenery at their own pace.