Under the slogan 'We Run for Freedom'.. The tenth International Palestine Marathon kicks off from Bethlehem and Gaza

The city of Bethlehem, in the southern occupied West Bank, witnessed on Friday morning the launch of the tenth edition of the International Palestine Marathon, which this year carries the slogan 'We Run for Freedom'. This edition comes after a forced two-year hiatus due to the repercussions of the ongoing Israeli war, with the marathon returning as a message of defiance and Palestinian determination to practice life and sports despite the restrictions.

The official events began at 6:00 AM with the start of the full race, covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers, from in front of the historic Church of the Nativity in central Bethlehem. Thousands of Palestinian runners participated in this event, alongside foreign solidarity activists, in a sporting demonstration aimed at highlighting the restriction of freedom of movement imposed by the occupation on Palestinians.

This year's edition was characterized by a unifying national character, as organized sources reported that a similar race simultaneously kicked off in the Gaza Strip for a distance of 5 kilometers. The Gaza race route began from the Wadi Gaza Bridge area heading north, in a symbolic step that emphasizes the unity of Palestinian geography despite the siege and destruction left by the aggression.

In Bethlehem, runners followed a long route passing alongside landmarks that highlight the reality of Palestinian suffering, as the race passed next to the Bilal ibn Rabah Mosque and the apartheid wall north of the city. The route also included passing through Aida Refugee Camp, the Jerusalem-Hebron road, reaching Dheisheh Refugee Camp and the old town of Al-Khader, before concluding at the Solomon's Pools archaeological site.

The general coordinator of the marathon, I'tidal Abdul Ghani, stated that the total number of participants exceeded 13,000 runners, reflecting a widespread desire to participate in this national event. She explained that among the participants were 2,523 runners from the Gaza Strip, in addition to about a thousand foreign participants who came from 75 countries around the world to support the Palestinian cause.

In addition to the on-site races, the marathon witnessed extensive virtual organization in several countries around the world between April 17 and 21. More than 5,000 people from 88 countries participated in the virtual edition, giving the marathon an international dimension that transcends the geographical boundaries imposed on the ground.

The race categories varied to include different distances suitable for all levels, starting from the full marathon and half marathon of 21 kilometers, down to the 10-kilometer race. A special race for families was also allocated for a distance of 5 kilometers, to ensure wide community participation including children and the elderly in this event.

On the organizational front, the race was supervised by a judging team consisting of 12 specialized judges, supported by an electronic control room and 12 observers distributed along the route to ensure accuracy. More than 100 volunteers also contributed to logistical organization operations, with 11 stations provided for distributing water and offering first aid and nutrients to participants.

This event is organized through joint efforts between the Palestinian Higher Council for Youth and Sports, the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the Bethlehem Municipality. Through this event, the organizers aim to break the isolation that the occupation tries to impose on Palestinian cities, and to promote the Palestinian narrative through international sports.

This year's return of the marathon is conclusive evidence of the Palestinian people's determination to survive and develop despite the massive destruction left by the war and severe restrictions. The marathon is not just a sports race, but a cry of protest against the separation wall and settlements that suffocate Palestinian cities and villages and hinder their sporting and social development.

This event comes at a time when the West Bank is witnessing an unprecedented escalation since the outbreak of the genocide war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Occupation forces continue systematic killings and arrests, in addition to settlement expansion that devours vast areas of land through which the marathon route passes.

Official statistics indicate that the escalation in the West Bank has resulted in the martyrdom of at least 1,155 Palestinians and the injury of about 11,750 others since the start of the war. Arrests have also reached record numbers, exceeding 22,000 cases, making the organization of an event of this magnitude a major national achievement under these circumstances.

As for the Gaza Strip, the symbolic marathon was held over the rubble of destruction left by the genocide, which led to the martyrdom of more than 72,000 Palestinians. Despite the presence of more than 172,000 injured, the participation of more than two thousand runners in Gaza sent a strong message to the world about the indomitable will to live.

At the conclusion of the event, the organizing bodies honored the winners in various categories, emphasizing that the real victory lies in reaching the finish line despite all obstacles. The International Palestine Marathon remains an annual platform that brings the world together in the heart of Bethlehem, to affirm the right of Palestinians to freedom, independence, and movement without restrictions.

This year's edition is distinguished by national unity, as a simultaneous marathon was held in the Gaza Strip despite all challenges.