Jerusalem streets were lined with security and closed to cars and pedestrian traffic for the 14th International Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon held on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The event attracted 40,000 people from 50 countries arriving in Jerusalem from around the world.
This year’s races were opened by Karina Ariev, freed on Jan. 25 after 477 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Then most of the media attention went to the full marathon and its finish line in Sacher Park.

One favorite was Yoel Levy from Manchester, UK, who ran the marathon in a Batman costume in memory of the murdered Bibas boys and for Shalva, supporting children with disabilities and their families.

Mayor Moshe Lion participated in the 5k this year. He strolled in the park with his wife and security.

All ages could be found in Gan Sacher, supporting 27 organizations with teams running.

A friend who ran to raise money for ADI posed as she neared the finish line in the 10k.

Another favorite was seeing Oma in the blue T-shirt for the Ari Fuld Project. I remember her from 15 years ago in the last half marathon, a year before the first international Jerusalem Marathon, running for Shalva.

Shalva had runners on its large team dressed in purple, as in the past.

I passed the full marathon runners near their start as I walked 1.5 km to get to Sacher Park.

And, as usual, pass the slower full marathon runners when I head home each year.

There were over 1000 full marathon runners, including those from Australia, Kenya, Morocco, and more.

And more than one Batman was running the full marathon this year.

In the park are tents for some of the organizations, in this one Ari Fuld h”yd looks over his family.

Sharsheret ran in the past, and is now in Israel. The organization originated in the US to help people facing breast and ovarian cancer, and an increased genetic risk for cancer.

The Michael Levin Base was another favorite. Many tents had food and snacks for runners.
I went back here to get a much-needed coffee after a few hours walking in the park.

The crowd was large enough to make it hard to find family and friends.

Security included the magnificent horses.

Thousands of soldiers and security personnel participated, but this was the only gun I spotted.

With 3 finish lines and 6 races of various lengths, it was impossible to be everywhere.
However, here are the 3 winners of the men’s half marathon receiving their trophies.

And I spotted Beatie Deutsch after she was awarded a trophy for the half marathon second place.

The first-place runner came in earlier than I expected this year, so I missed the ribbon breaking.

But the medical attention was right there for those who needed help.
All in all, it was a great day, with great weather, to celebrate life, freedom, and hope for the future.
But a little too close to Pesach, Passover, for some regulars to be able to participate only a week before.

Signs are up over the Jerusalem streets for new exhibits and holiday events. Museums are planning for families with special rates and activities on the intermediate days.

The Jerusalem Marathon launch with “Batman” Levy was at the Tower of David, where they will be having a long list of educational events for families.

The notes were cleaned from the Kotel, Western Wall, ready for two days of Birkat Cohanim this year.

The elevator for visitors will not be ready any time soon, but at least there are new signs.

The new large Israeli flags are going up before the spring holiday season.
While war is raging on too many fronts, the Jerusalem streets are preparing for holidays and guests.
This year in Jerusalem – Am Yisrael Chai.
Chag sameach