Jerusalem marathon – Page 11 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Shh, Sharing a Secret Spot in Jerusalem

February 10, 2013rjstreets

I lived in NYC when snow came down so fast all the buses stopped running.

The only way to get home was to walk or hitch a ride with a stranger who

got off the Long Island Expressway, and tried to drive on side streets.

I also lived in Boston where once the snow was so deep that guests

could not walk the short distance to come over for our Purim seudah.

Once in Maryland, Shabbat guests got snowed in until Wednesday.

Oh, I do not miss shoveling all that white stuff one little bit.

This weekend, once again the Northeastern US got buried in white.

What a contrast,

as the Hebrew month of Adar begins,

and in Jerusalem, Israel, it is such a colorful time of year.

There are plenty of colorful costumes and things for Purim on display,

but it is the natural colors that are so impressive after so much rain.

On Friday, white almond blossoms were in full bloom against the blue sky.

Thousands of people drove to the Negev to see anemones in bloom,

but the wild red flowers

and beautiful scenes

can be found right in Jerusalem, off the Yael Sapir Trail.

Maybe these anemones are not as dense as in the Negev,

and only a few people seem to know about this nature spot,

but it is near the center of Jerusalem.

I love seeing the anemone in full bloom.

The Jerusalem marathon is coming soon.

Red flowers are not the only things popping up in the Valley of the Cross.

Runners in red tee-shirts are getting ready for the Jerusalem marathon.

This road is the end stretch of the marathon route.

Wonder if any runners will notice the flowers,

or will it stay our secret spot for another year?

Jerusalem Marathon 2012

March 18, 2012rjstreets

Months of planning and weeks of extensive preparations

went into the Second International Jerusalem Marathon,

but no one had control over the weather.

With heavy rains the night before and more rain in the forecast,

many spectators stayed away.

The runners of the full marathon raced through nearly deserted streets.

Security was out in large numbers,

but they often tried to find cover from the rain.

The marathon route went into the Old City through Jaffa Gate,

where loud music, entertainers and spectators cheered the runners on.

The rain stopped as the half-marathon leaders entered the Old City.

The sun was shining on the 10 kilometer race leaders,

but soon after hail started coming down.

Under grey skies, through wet streets,

15,000 runners, including 1500 from

50 countries from around the world,

came to run.

When the sun came out, so did a smile.

With streets closed to traffic, the only way to get around was to walk.

Some tourists seemed to enjoy walking instead of using their usual buses.

It would have been harder to run in really hot weather,

but in spite of the weather and Jerusalem’s uneven and hilly streets,

runners seemed happy to be in the race.

Running to raise money for good causes and charity or self-satisfaction

they came…neither rain, nor sleet nor hail,

nor threat of terror kept them away.

I took way too many photos and plan to put more on

The Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/trjstreets

Meanwhile, to see more runners, check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8oysvWZ5FY&feature=youtu.be

Jerusalem Marathon 2011 Winners

March 28, 2011March 14, 2019rjstreets

Less than 48 hours after a deadly bomb exploded in Jerusalem,

streets were again clear of traffic.

Schools were closed in Beersheva on Friday, March 25

because of grad missiles.

In Jerusalem classes were cancelled

because the first full Jerusalem Marathon was running

from Gan Sachar, Sachar Park.

Parking was difficult, necessitating long treks to get to Read more →