Jerusalem marathon brings out local runners, families

The 14th annual Jerusalem Marathon brings tens of thousands of runners and their families out on a sunny Friday morning in the capital, each with their own stories and reasons for participating.

“We are talking about 40,000 people who came from all over Israel, from abroad, and from within Jerusalem to run this morning,” says Jerusalem mayor, Moshe Lion. It’s a beautiful day, and we are very proud of this event.”

Lion ran the 5k alongside released hostage Karina Ariev, a surveillance soldier taken hostage by Hamas from the Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023, and released in January after 477 days in captivity.

It’s easy for her to run, at her age,” Lion says. “For me, it’s not so easy.”

Hillel Weiser, an 11-year-old Jerusalem resident, is running his first 10k with his parents, in memory of his cousin, Staff Sgt. Roey Weiser, a Golani soldier born to American immigrants who was killed while serving near Gaza on October 7. “I’m hoping to finish without stopping,” Wesier says. “It’s a very special day.

Marty Gordon, a 79-year-old resident and former athlete, participated in the Jerusalem run for the first time. “The energy was wonderful,” he said. “It’s an experience that everyone should have.”

Gordon didn’t push himself for the race. “I walked the 5k,” he said. “I’m an old guy. I’ve done my marathons. These knees are almost 80 years old.”

Jerusalem resident Rachel Green ran the 5k with her eight-year-old son Natan, participating in his first run. “I ran the whole thing,” Natan says proudly, showing off the medal around his neck. “It was a lot of fun.”