Palestine holds first marathon

The Occupied West Bank held its first official marathon on April 21^st. Some see the marathon as only a sporting event. Others view the marathon as a political statement, one that highlights the traveling limits placed on Palestinians. Additionally, there is not enough space to do a full, straight 26.2 mile race. Prior to the race, Israel refused 22 Palestinian runners from the Gaza Strip the necessary travel documents needed to compete, saying the runners “do not meet the criteria required to leave the strip.” One of these runners was Nadar al-Masri, a former Olympian. Beginning at Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, the race took place along the concrete separation wall.  The images from the race are powerful and will hopefully increase exposure and international solidarity for the Palestinian cause.

 Read more about the race here, here, and here. Photos from here.