Ethiopian runner wins Jerusalem marathon

First-place female finisher also from Ethiopia, as some 20,000 participate in 42-km race

Some 20,000 runners took part Friday morning in the Jerusalem marathon, which was won by Abraham Kabeto Katale of Ethiopia. His final time of 2:16:29 was a record for the course.

Coming in with the best time among female participants was Mihiret Anotonius, also of Ethiopia, and the top Israeli finisher was Liran Raz.

Runners take part in the third international Jerusalem marathon on Friday (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The final runner to cross the finish line was Assaf Zar, 19, from Ramat Gan — in a time of just over 6 hours and 29 minutes. (The race cut-off time was 6 hours and 30 minutes.) He was presented with an award to this effect by the oldest Israeli runner, Zeev Neuman, 86.

The city had been prepping for days for the onslaught of runners participating in the full 42-kilometer (26.2-mile) race; the 21.1-kilometer (13.11-mile) half marathon; and the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) course.

Participants smile through the pain during the Jerusalem marathon on Friday (photo credit: Flash90)

More than 1,750 of the runners were foreigners who arrived in the capital from 52 nations.

Beitar Jerusalem player Gabriel Kadiev, a Muslim from Chechnya, looks chilly as he takes part in the Jerusalem marathon on Friday (photo credit: Yossi Zamir/Flash90)

Local schools were closed for the day, as well as many main roads throughout the city.