Ethiopian Beats 25,000 Runners in Jerusalem Marathon

Thousands participated in the international Jerusalem Marathon on March 13, 2015. (State of Israel photo)

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Jerusalem filled with visitors from 60 tribes and tongues this past week for the Holy City’s annual marathon, which drew 25,000 participants.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who also ran the course, had encouraged Israelis through his Facebook page to “come down to cheer on the runners in the streets of Jerusalem and to enjoy performances and bands along the route … and one big celebration throughout the city.” (Algemeiner)

Friday’s marathon over Jerusalem’s hilly, winding streets has brought sneakered speedsters for the fifth year running. While only a tenth of this year’s marathon runners came from abroad, the city’s hotels were full, with 8,000 reservations, as well as 60 international media crews present. (Israel National News)

First Place winner of the Jerusalem Marathon Tadesse Yae Dabi March 13, 2015

Jerusalem Marathon winner Tadesse Yae Dabi (#3) runs behind Patrick Wachira Muriuki (#2), who finished 4th. At the left is Raymaond Kimutail Bett (#8), who finished second. (Photo by Brian Negin)

Marathon winner Tadesse Yae Dabi, 26, of Ethopia finished the 42.2 km (26.2 m) marathon in 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 20 seconds. (JPost)

Not everyone ran the full marathon. Other events included the half marathon, a 10K, 5K, and a 1.7 and 0.8 dash. While some runners went it alone, others ran in groups of more than 100.

Two organizations dedicated to helping terrorism victims and their families, the Koby Mandell Foundation and OneFamily, sent running groups numbering 60 and 161, respectively. (JTA)

About 6,000 people ran to raise money for charity. (Times of Israel)

The running began at 6:45 a.m. before the heat of the sun pressed down on the streets and before the weekly hubbub of Shabbat preparations began stirring throughout the city.

Other internationally acclaimed annual events in Jerusalem include the Formula One Road Show, Festival of Lights in the Old City, and the International Book Fair.