Jerusalem Marathon kicks off with 40,000 running in honor of security forces

The Jerusalem Marathon kicks off in the capital this morning, with some 40,000 runners in six different categories reportedly participating in the annual event despite the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

מרתון בעיר הבירה | מרתון ירושלים ה-13 בסימן הוקרה לכוחות הביטחון וההצלה החל הבוקר. על פי המארגנים משתתפים בו כ-40,000 רצים, בהם רבים מכוחות הביטחון ומילואימניקים, ועוד כ-1,200 רצים מחו"ל@lianwildau
צילום: אלטרנטיבה 1 pic.twitter.com/KXeMgN7dAS

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 8, 2024

The marathon route includes Jerusalem landmarks such as the Israel Museum, the Supreme Court, the President’s Residence, the walls of the Old City, the Armenian Quarter, the Tower of David, the Khan Theater and the Sultan’s Pool.

The Jerusalem Municipality announced in January that the annual marathon would take place as planned despite the war and as a tribute to the IDF, security forces and rescue teams.

Registration in the marathon was free for IDF soldiers, security forces and rescue teams, including reservists who served or are currently serving. Spouses and children of reservists who served or are serving also received a 50 percent discount on registration fees.

Jessica Steinberg contributed to this report.