Palestine marathon revived in Bethlehem amid strong global participation
In parallel, a separate 5-kilometre race was also held in Gaza, stretching from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah.
KATHMANDU: The Palestine Marathon, previously suspended due to the Gaza conflict, has been successfully revived in the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem, drawing thousands of local and international runners in a powerful show of resilience and unity.
According to the official Palestinian news agency Palestine Marathon, the event featured full and half marathons, a 10-kilometre race, and a 5-kilometre family run. The race began at Manger Square in central Bethlehem and passed through sections near the separation wall and several refugee camps, highlighting the region’s complex realities.
In parallel, a separate 5-kilometre race was also held in Gaza, stretching from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah.
Organisers reported that more than 13,000 runners participated across all categories. This included 2,523 participants from Gaza and around 1,000 international runners representing 75 countries and territories.
The return of the marathon marks a symbolic moment of endurance and cultural expression after its suspension during the Gaza war.
