Apparently, all marathoners should run the Jerusalem Marathon at least once in their lives, since it is considered one of the most beautiful runs in the world.
And while we can’t personally attest to the running part of the marathon, the historical and sacred sites along the route certainly make a sight for sore legs, as seen in recent and archival photos presented here courtesy of Keren Kayameth L’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF).
This year’s Jerusalem Marathon is set for Friday, March 17, when an expected 40,000 runners from Israel and around the world will set their paces along a route including landmarks such as David’s Citadel, the Old City walls, Sultan’s Pool, the Israel Museum and the Supreme Court.
Among the runners will be 2022’s female champion, Valentina Versca, who last year ran the full marathon at 2:45:54 shortly after she escaped her home country of Ukraine following its invasion by Russia.
Now in its 12th year, the Jerusalem Marathon offers six routes: a full marathon, a half-marathon, a 10-kilometer run and a five-kilometer run, as well as shorter family and community races.
“We are excited to announce the opening of the Jerusalem Winner Marathon events and celebrate 12 years of activity, in which hundreds of thousands of runners from Israel and around the world participated,’” says Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
“Jerusalem invites professional athletes and sports enthusiasts to register and take part in one of the most remarkable sports events in Israel, while enjoying an unforgettable running experience that includes getting to know significant landmarks in the history of Jerusalem.”
