Palestine Marathon

The Palestine Marathon route which extends over 42,195 KM will take you through different views on Palestinian everyday life. The route itself is a technical course with a few steep hills coupled with some fast sections in scenery like no other marathon. The race starts at the Church of Nativity in the centre of the Old City of Bethlehem taking the runners through Bethlehem, through two refugee camps – Al Aida and Ad Dheisheh – and along the Wall deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004, but still standing, separating Palestinians from their land and each other and preventing the basic human right to freedom of movement.

The half marathon course is 21.0975 KM, while the runners doing the full marathon will run two loops. For the runners doing the 10K, remember to turn at the marked turning point. There will be KM markers every KM. Remember to check out the route at the expo and get the instructions from the volunteers when you pick up your running kit in the days before the marathon.

The Palestine Marathon’s aim is to establish a running culture in Palestine. It is an opportunity that provides Palestinians with the chance to move in a new and fun way which also builds a relationship based on the love for running and cultural exchange between Palestinians and the people from around the world. The event is about showing the outside world a new side to Palestine and Palestinians. It is about creating awareness and building understanding across cultures. Palestine Marathon is about cultural exchange, cultural exploration, and understanding. It is free of any political agenda. Nothing happens until something starts moving. So we want to move. Move with us.