More than 40,000 runners ran in six race categories: the Full Marathon (42.2 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5 km, Family Race (1.7 km), and a special 800-meter Community Race. 

Runners came from over 50 countries, including Australia, South Africa, Kenya, South Sudan, and Morocco. As in past years, the shorter races, which continue to grow in popularity, attracted the largest crowds.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized the importance of the day: "In these challenging times, we choose life. We choose to run," he said. "Many runners participate to honor a cause, in solidarity with hostages and bereaved families."

The Mayor opened the races with Karina Ariev, released just weeks ago after almost 500 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza. They ran in the 5 K race.

In the men’s full marathon, Bohdan Semenovych, 39, from Ukraine, came in first place with a time of 2:22:47, followed closely by Gabriyesos Tachlowini Melake, 27, and Yonah Amitai, 31, from Israel.

In the women’s race, Salgong Pauline Gepkirui, 37, from Kenya, won with a time of 2:51:58.

Winners received cash prizes: $3,750 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,250 for third.

The half-marathon winners receive less attention, however,  BJL saw Beatie Deutsch after she received the trophy for second place in the women's half marathon.

Jerusalem's Sacher Park was crowded with runners and supporters. Major streets were closed and lined with supporters and security. There were 27 organizations and good causes with teams. This year, teams for fallen soldiers and hostages were throughout the park and various race courses.

Because the marathon was so close to Pesach, not everyone who wanted to participate was able to run this year. 

However, one international runner was highlighted. Yoel Levy, a Manchester-based online fitness coach and content creator, came to Israel to run the full marathon in a full Batman costume."Their story hit me hard," he said, referring to the kidnapped Bibas boys."I want to run as Batman for them—because every kid deserves to believe in heroes." Levy ran for Shalva, an organization that supports children with disabilities, a cause close to Levy: his sister and cousin both have Down syndrome. He had a practice run in the Batman costume in Tel Aviv when his sister was on a Birthright trip in Israel. Being close to Purim, Levy said no one seemed to pay attention to Batman running through the city. 

The photo essay includes a few of the over 1000 full marathon runners wearing blue numbers, and a few of the half-marathoners nearing the finish line with red on their tags. Too many great organizations and causes to share them all. However, a few favorite scenes to show a bit of the excitement and enthusiasm of how the Jerusalem Marathon has grown. 

Am Yisrael runs. Am Yisrael Chai.