It poured overnight, but the skies are slowly clearing,
and those who prepared early are very happy,
Tomorrow is the big day,
this has to be drier that the first rain soaked Jerusalem marathon.
The Jerusalem Marathon is hard to miss,
and just like last year’s run,
a finish line has been up and ready
across a major street for a couple of weeks.
These huge signs are displayed in multiple locations.
Not only will the races close
many Jerusalem, Israel streets all Friday morning,
but there is also a Sports Expo
in the Jerusalem International Conference Center.
Runners have three days to come and get their kits,
with their official shirts and numbers.
Entering the Convention Center lobby
it is all about marathons.
But inside the large halls,
it is all about sportswear marketing.
Aleh is one of the many organizations with teams of runners
who will raise thousands of dollars for charity.
The full marathon attracts runners from around the world.
Gan Sacher, Sacher Park is the main venue.
The times for the different runs are posted here.
With those early morning start times
it is good that the synagogue is easy to find.
The serious marathon runners will race up and down
the hilly Jerusalem streets in amazing times,
with the first awards ceremony set to start before 9:00 am.
The finish line for the full marathon is in the park,
each year it gets a little better organized,
the large park is filled with runners and supporters.
With major roads closed to traffic,
many residents do not like this sports event
that shuts down the city.
But maybe the music and street theater
on Emek Refaim Street this year
will keep some of those not running and cheering
in a better mood.
What a difference a few years makes:
who even remembers those half marathon runs?
