Ethiopian Runner Claims Friday’s Jerusalem Marathon

Approximately 20,000 runners took to the streets of Jerusalem on Friday morning, March 1^st, to take part in the Jerusalem marathon, joining some 1,750 other runners who made the trip to Israel’s capital from more than 50 nations.

Kabeto Ketla of Ethiopia captured first place in the marathon with a time of 2:16:29, which set a new record.

Jerusalem had started preparing for the race days earlier as, to many Israeli officials, it’s more than just a marathon, but a great opportunity to garner some positive press about the city itself.

“Our goal is to make sure that the 1,700 runners from abroad, side by side with about 20,000 runners who are in Jerusalem from all over the country, will be ambassadors and will go back home and tell everyone how beautiful Jerusalem is, how open it is,” said Jerusalem mayor, Nir Barkat.

“We hope you’ll be ambassadors for the message that Jerusalem is a place where you can come, enjoy, relax – and have a breathtaking experience,” said Ilanit Melchior, Tourism Director of the Jerusalem Development Authority.

Leading the way for female participants was Mihiret Anotonius, another Ethiopian, while the fastest Israeli finisher was Liran Raz.

Participants could choose from three marathon variations with a full 42-kilometer (26.2-mile) race; the 21.1-kilometer (13.11-mile) half marathon; and the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) course.