running – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem: Good & Bad, Hot & Running

Jerusalem: Good & Bad, Hot & Running

September 13, 2017Sharon A

Jerusalem is having a September heat wave.

Not so good for me,

I complain a lot and slow down.

But things are still going strong,

and Jerusalem is busier than ever.

Not sure if these raised arrangements like the heat

or if they are good or bad,

but this new flower display is near the Montefiore Windmill.

I passed it on my way to the Jerusalem Press Club to hear

Dr. Michael Borchard, the Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,

who reported on a survey of Israelis’ opinions of the EU.

The conclusion:

good news and bad news, but pretty much the same.

Economic missions, trade missions, and overseas delegations

seem to be everywhere, all the time.

US Congressmen were at the King David Hotel recently,

and this week the Governor of Iowa Kay Reynolds

led an Economic Development Authority mission to Israel.

Iowans really are some of the nicest people,

here a group met to hear about Jerusalem based bio-startups.

The amazing innovations seek US collaboration to grow.

But besides back to school,

there is much more happening on the streets.

Another Second Hand Fair was on Emek Refaim St.

Kulna, part of Mekudeshet, a festival of varied events

of the Jerusalem Season of Culture,

was set up in Mitchell Gardens.

Those who came early to the had the option of seats

and food and drink to buy,

with the walls of the Old City across the street in the background.

One Arab family came early to get a good spot,

and much of the program featured Arab music.

Amman is 71 kilometers from us, one slide informed us.

As always, emergency medical care was on site.

But though there were hundreds, maybe 2000 people,

there were no reports of injuries or emergencies in the crowd.

Signs were up all along the way to the park for

a first-ever Jerusalem Run for Women,

but not everyone saw those warnings of major streets to be closed.

Security checked out their locations

for the 5k and 10k races.

Women and girls came from all over to run.

I tried to take one of those water bottles,

but it felt so hot, I put it back.

After dark the women, and a few men,

started running.

Here goes the winner of the 10K

and my friend who won the 5k

was already smiling on the way to starting line.

I love when people race by and scream out “Sharon.”

If you know who is waving please let me know.

One of my favorite runners

was this cute little guy.

His father was right behind with the stroller making a video.

These posters tell of events in parks with live music,

and special musical nights in the Municipal Square,

Opening the Gates Of Prayer,

with seasonal High Holy days songs.

So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets,

now if would just cool off a bit so we can enjoy it.

But at least no one is complaining about no rain this year.

and I guess that also could be good.

Best of Jerusalem Marathon 2016

March 22, 2016rjstreets

The sixth International Jerusalem Marathon was run on Friday morning.

The loudspeakers from the starting line near the Knesset

made for an early morning wake-up in Jerusalem, Israel.

As the 2600 full marathon runners raced by,

one man waved,

some were already feeling the inclines,

and others not yet.

International and varied participants ran

along with Batman and Superman.

As every year, entertainers were at the starting line

wearing the colors of the runners’ countries and cheering.

Again the finish line for the full marathon was in

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, with hundreds lined up to watch.

But there were other races, a half marathon, 10k and more.

30,000 people were entered in the races

and many more times that number supported the runners.

In the park loud music blasted,

racers drummed,

or just fooled around.

The day started out cool and cloudy,

but the sun came out and the weather warmed up.

The marathon is so much more pleasant without rain.

The mud holes were appreciated by at least one young man,

but they were nothing compared to the first marathon.

The three winners of the men’s full marathon came from Kenya

and as usual were interviewed by press.

Their times were amazing when you consider the Jerusalem terrain

with its physically challenging hills.

However,

the participants of the shorter races were also impressive,

as for some this event is a chance to get up and out,

and show their abilities, not their disabilities.

Large sums were raised for dozens of good causes,

by organizations and supporters of all ages,

and the international goodwill – priceless.

Coming into the park after their shorter races were 27,000 runners.

Congratulations

and smiles,

runners in larger groups,

or smaller ones,

or going to the finish line alone,

filled the Jerusalem streets.

As I was finally heading home,

the 10k walkers were nearing the finish line,

very proud of their accomplishment.

But, my favorite from this marathon,

with 30,000 runners from all over the world,

was Bruno, from Brazil, the Tourist of the Week.

Bruno not only smiled and slowed to wave during the race,

but later shared that he and Adriana got engaged

at the Kotel, the Western Wall, before Shabbat.

Mazel tov to Adriana and Bruno,

and to all those who made this year’s event special,

bigger and better, even if it is exhausting.

For all those upset with street closings who stayed home,

sorry.

Here are links to more photos,

see what you missed:

Facebook photos Marathon 2016

Finish line 2016

Finally, take the time to compare:

Jerusalem Marathon 2014

Jerusalem Marathon 2013

I have seen them all and the half marathon before.

I think it is great so many of thousands also now appreciate,

the real Jerusalem streets.

Did you Hear about Jerusalem Marathon 2013?

March 5, 2013rjstreets

Streets were shut.

Traffic was blocked.

Public transportation came to a stop.

Schools had to close.

Jerusalem streets were deserted.

Was it a bomb scare, a terror attack, an alien invasion,

or hmm, an US Presidential visit? Not yet.

No, the 3rd International Jerusalem Marathon was set to begin.

To get around the city center on Friday morning

walking and biking were the only options.

Last year rain and hail fell as the runners came near the Old City walls

This year the weather was much better for the marathon runners as

they ran the 42 kilometer route through the Jerusalem, Israel streets.

The cool temperatures did not make everyone happy

and the grey skies and no sunshine were not great for photos.

However, these actors walking on stilts draped in the flags

representing the 50 countries of the runners entered in the race,

and other characters, provided plenty of color as the runners took off.

The marathon winner from Ethiopia ran in a record time,

as Abraham Kabeto approached the finish line

he was well ahead of the Kenyan runner who came in second place.

Here are the top three women runners smiling on the winners’ stand.

However, at this event

there were many more winners than these elite athletes.

Over twenty thousand people ran in the various races,

supported and cheered on by a crowd of a half a million people.

Thousands ran the half marathon, a 21.1 -kilometer course,

through the streets

and up the Jerusalem hills.

The winners of the 10 kilometer race were led by a motorcycle escort,

and thousands of runners followed after them.

Zahal, the Israel Defense Force, had a separate start time for their race.

As these marathon runners approached the special finish line,

the 5th Place winner was already smiling and posing for photos,

in Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, which was filled with people.

This girl was so happy after finishing the 10 K race.

What a shame that UNWRA has cancelled the Gaza marathon.

Some people tried to protest or disrupt these Jerusalem races,

but it seems once again that no matter how many people are

on the Jerusalem streets, if no violence is involved,

it is not a news worthy event.

Some full marathon runners were still seen on the streets

hours after the official winners crossed the finish line.

Everyone who participated deserved and received a medal.

Many runners ran in support of a dozens of good causes.

Everyone was a winner on Friday, March 1.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat (center) had reason to smile.

The International Jerusalem Marathon has grown bigger

and better every year.

Many more people are already talking about

and planning to run in next year’s Jerusalem Marathon 2014.

Hope to see you next year in Jerusalem!

More photos HERE and HERE