Posted on 03/08/24
Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 8, 2024 - The 13th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon was held on Friday, March 8, with the participation of 40,000 runners from all corners of the country and around the world.
The Jerusalem Winner Marathon winner was Melkamu Jember, age 33, with a time of 2:35:39. Second place went to Nega Mekete age 36, with a time of 2:41:33 Third place went to Yotam Kaplan age 31 from Israel with a time of 2:43:3. In the women's race, Noah Berkman from Israel won first place with a time of 2:55:42. Second place was awarded to Elena Tolstykh from Russia.
Among the 40,000 runners were 15,000 security and rescue forces personnel, along with 1,800 international runners – a record number of participants. One of the returning international full marathon runners again ran the enter 42.2 kilometers with a pineapple on his head.
The Jerusalem Municipality decided to hold the annual marathon as planned, as a tribute to the IDF, security forces, and rescue teams, aiming to strengthen social resilience during the ongoing war on the southern and northern fronts. The marathon's continuation allowed thousands of runners who trained for months for the Jerusalem Marathon and other races worldwide to continue their training and achieve their sports goals set before the war.
Registration was free for IDF soldiers, security forces, and rescue teams, including reservists who served or are serving in the October 7 War. Wives and children of reservists who served or are serving received a 50% discount on marathon registration fees.
The 10K run also featured the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Roee Weiser, Z'L, H'yd, a Golani soldier who fell on October 7th.
The primary sponsor of the marathon once again, for the 13th year, is Toto Winner, thus the Winner in the marathon's correct name.
Alongside many runners, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion also participated this year, running in the 5 km race, together with his coach, Izhak Vexler, who was injured in battles in the Gaza Strip.
"The State of Israel is in the middle of a justified struggle like no other. The strength of a society is measured by its ability to continue daily life in the face of challenges, alongside support for its dedicated and heroic soldiers on the front lines. The residents of Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel, are excited and proud to contribute, even in a small way, to the collective spirit and the boost of national morale, dedicating the Jerusalem Marathon events to the heroes of Israel.
This marks the 13th year that the city invites runners from across the country and the world to run on one of the most beautiful marathon routes globally. We all hope that peace, security, and tranquility will return to our beloved country quickly. Am Yisrael Chai, and we will not stop running," stated Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
The International Jerusalem Winner Marathon is not only a sports event but is also a social and community event in which dozens of organizations participate in the family and community races (0.8 km). This year along with Shalva, OneFamily, The Michael Levin Base, Yachad, Crossroads, NCSY, United Hatzalah, Kav LaNoar, were Remember Roey (Weiser), Ari Fuld, and 300 runners for kidnapped Hersh Goldberg, and a long list of other chesed groups.
The photo essay includes many of the shirts, slogans, flags, and faces of kidnapped and killed attached to runners' shirts. The weather was good and the atmosphere was positive in Jerusalem for the runners and spectators. While streets are closed for early starting times, but 1:30 pm most are open for Shabbat preparation.
