From the Liveblog of
Friday, May 8, 2026
Palestine Marathon returns to West Bank and Gaza, with thousands taking part
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The Palestine Marathon returned to the West Bank and Gaza for the first time since the Gaza war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught.
The event offered a full marathon, half marathon and 10-kilometer races in the West Bank city of Bethlehem and a 5-kilometer race in Gaza.
Organizers say 13,000 people participated, including 2,523 in Gaza and 1,000 foreigners from 75 countries.
The race in Gaza appeared to only allow men to participate.
Today, more than 2,500 Palestinians ran in Gaza as part of the 10th Palestine International Marathon sponsored by Egypt and held simultaneously in Bethlehem and the Strip for the first time. pic.twitter.com/ujpL5wAzeW
— Hamza (@HowidyHamza) May 8, 2026
انطلاق سباق "غزة" ضمن فعاليات ماراثون فلسطين الدولي، بمشاركة نحو 2000 متسابق وبرعاية اللجنة المصرية في غزة، تزامنًا مع انطلاق الفعالية في بيت لحم بالضفة. pic.twitter.com/dHsnGE3B6l
— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) May 8, 2026
The Palestine International Marathon returned to Gaza after a two-year pause caused by war, with nearly 1,900 runners taking part.
Amputees injured during the conflict joined the race, turning the event into a powerful symbol of resilience, hope and survival.#Gaza #Palestine… pic.twitter.com/sPrITvyOsu
— India Today Global (@ITGGlobal) May 8, 2026
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