The official marathon for the Jerusalem Winner Marathon 2024 was revealed by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, General Manager Jerusalem Municipality Itzik Larry, and CEO of the Toto Winner organization (Israel Sports Betting Board) Meir Bardugo at a special event that honored the running teams of Israeli towns bordering the Gaza Strip.
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The marathon, scheduled for March 8, held as a tribute to the defense and rescue forces, kicked off Wednesday with the official marathon shirt launch at the National Athletics Stadium in Givat Ram. During the event, Lion, Bardugo, and Larry awarded honors to the running team representatives of Kibbutz Be'eri and the "Triathlon of the Gaza Periphery" running team.
As part of the event, yellow balloons were hung on the chairs of the Givat Ram Stadium, commemorating the 134 hostages in Gaza.
Lion said, "Since Oct. 7, the State of Israel has been going through a complex period, during which we discovered our national resilience in all its glory, solidarity, and brotherhood among all of us. Jerusalem Winner Marathon exemplifies the values that the people of Israel were blessed with - determination and courage. This year's Jerusalem Winner Marathon is particularly moving. The participants, along with all of Israel, seek to uplift their spirits, run in memory of their lost loved ones, and convey an important and clear message of victory. Jerusalem is proud to host you and will continue to work tirelessly to raise the national morale and lead the spirit of the people of Israel, who will continue to move forward."
So far, approximately 30,000 runners have registered for the Jerusalem Winner Marathon, marking its 13th year. Among them are 6,000 reservists and their families and 7,000 soldiers. Additionally, more than 1,000 runners from abroad have registered to participate in this year's exciting race. Around 40,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon, setting a record in the history of the Jerusalem Winner Marathon. The marathon includes six categories: full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5 km, family run (1.7 km), and community run (800 meters).
