Bethlehem runners hit the wall

Some 3,200 international and Palestinian runners took to the streets of Bethlehem yesterday to highlight the Right to Movement campaign.

The participants ran 10k, half and full marathons in the sunny Palestinian city along the Separation Wall to showcase how limited Palestinians are in the West Bank.

So small is the area in Bethlehem that runners were unable to complete a full marathon across the city, instead they were forced to complete two laps around the same route.

Participants ran past the Wall in Bethlehem and into Aida refugee camp, stopping for pictures and raising the Palestinian flag along the way.

Organised for the third year, this event was the first in which 50 Palestinians from Gaza took part including the winner of the marathon Nader Masri.

Balloons and doves were released before the start of the races and entertainment was provided for people of all ages during the event.
One runner from Britain said: “This is an amazing opportunity to highlight the struggle of the Palestinian people who are restricted by Israel’s ongoing occupation.”

Many expressed their hopes to run again next year.

Images by MEMO’s team at the marathon.