War-delayed marathon-less Jerusalem Marathon takes over capital amid ceasefire
Freed hostage Rom Braslavski helps kick off 10km race, after full marathon scrapped due to sweltering weather conditions
The war-delayed Jerusalem Marathon was sort of held on Friday in the capital, with the main event scrapped due to difficult weather conditions.
The annual race was originally slated to be held on March 27 but was pushed off due to the Iran war and rescheduled for Friday after last week’s ceasefire.
Then organizers decided earlier this week that due to a forecast of unusually warm temperatures and high air pollution, the day’s events would not include a full marathon, but only a half-marathon and 10-kilometer races.
Even so, an 18-year-old runner suffered a heat stroke and was in serious condition, according to the Magen David Adom emergency medical service. MDA said that 11 others were treated throughout the morning for dehydration and fatigue.
The half-marathon, which commenced at 5:15 a.m. due to the weather conditions, was won by Haimro Alame — a former Israeli Olympian — with a time of 1:07:31. The women’s winner was Mentamir Bikyia, with a time of 1:24:29.
The 10km race was kicked off by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion standing alongside freed Hamas hostage and Jerusalem resident Rom Braslavski.
Here are photos from the big day:
