Best of Jerusalem Marathon 2016

The sixth International Jerusalem Marathon was run on Friday morning.

The loudspeakers from the starting line near the Knesset

staring line Jerusalem Marathon

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

As the 2600 full marathon runners raced by,

runners Jerusalem marathon

one man waved,

runners marathon Jerusalem

some were already feeling the inclines,

marathon runner

and others not yet.

runners Jerusalem marathon

International and varied participants ran

superman and batman running in Jerusalem Marathon

along with Batman and Superman.

entertainers at marathon

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

Jerusalem marathon finish line in Gan SAcher

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

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

crowd in park for Jerusalem marathon

30,000 people were entered in the races

crowd in Sacher Park for marathon

and many more times that number supported the runners.

In the park loud music blasted,

Sacher Park

racers drummed,

gan sachr

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.

mud in park

 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

winner Jerusalem marathon

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,

Helping disabled from wheelchair in marathon

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

Aleh at Jerusalem marathon

and show their abilities, not their disabilities.

Large sums were raised for dozens of good causes,

HASC at Marathon

by organizations and supporters of all ages,

international visitors.

and the international goodwill – priceless.

water station at marathon

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

marathon finish

Congratulations

finish marathon

and smiles,

group marathon

runners in larger groups,

marathon runners

or smaller ones,

marathon runner

or going to the finish line alone,

filled the Jerusalem streets.

As I was finally heading home,

Jerusalem marathon

the 10k walkers were nearing the finish line,

Jerusalem marathon

very proud of their accomplishment.

But, my favorite from this marathon,

with 30,000 runners from all over the world,

Jerusalem marathon

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

Jerusalem marathon runner from Brazil

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

In the Park 

Finally, take the time to compare:

Last year

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.