Jerusalem Marathon underway: What should you know about the race?

For the 10th time, Jerusalem's annual marathon is underway with runners tracing a path across the city center.

 THOUSANDS OF runners take part in the 2019 Jerusalem Marathon.  (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
THOUSANDS OF runners take part in the 2019 Jerusalem Marathon.
(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

The 10th international Jerusalem Marathon kicked off on Friday morning with runners warming up to trace a path past 3,000 years of history.

Some 20,000 runners are expected to participate in the event, which will include a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 1.7K Family Race and 800 m. community race.

Numerous streets have been closed for the marathon, including the central King George and Yafo streets connecting the central city with the Old City.

Streets closed off to vehicles include: Rupin Boulevard, the Hebrew University campus, Netanel Lorch, Rabin Boulevard, Haim Hazaz Boulevard, Tchernichovsky, HaPalmach, Gaza, HaNasi, Keren Hayesod, King George, Yafo street, Tzahal Square, HaTzanhanim, Haim Bar Lev Boulevard, George Adam Smith, Lehi, Martin Buber, Binyamin Mazar, Churchill, Kariv, Jaffa Gate, the Armenian Patriarchate, Zion Gate, Hativat Yerushalaim, HaMelech David, Jabotinsky, Chopin, Dubnov, Gretz, Emek Refaim, Derech HaRakevet, Derech Beit Lechem, David Remez, Derech Hevron, Yanovsky, Yehuda, Pierre Koenig, Elazar Hamodai, Kovshei Katamon, Yehoshua Yavin, Sacher Park.

Organizers also warned residents that additional traffic disruptions are expected in the streets adjacent to the marathon's track.

 RUNNERS IN Jerusalem's 10th Annual Marathon, October 29, 2021 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
RUNNERS IN Jerusalem's 10th Annual Marathon, October 29, 2021 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

The light rail and other public transportation routes will be altered, and organizers recommended that those planning to make use of public transport contact the relevant companies to learn more about route changes.

The marathon will follow Israel’s latest coronavirus regulations. Runners will be required to show their Green Pass to enter Sacher Park. A mask will be required to enter the park, although runners can take it off once inside. Starting times have been adjusted so that no more than 5,000 will congregate together in one place. 

 Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion with police officer Amir Ben Kiki at the starting point of the Jerusalem Annual Marathon, October 29, 2021 (credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion with police officer Amir Ben Kiki at the starting point of the Jerusalem Annual Marathon, October 29, 2021 (credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
 Runners in Jerusalem's 10th Annual Marathon, October 29, 2021 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Runners in Jerusalem's 10th Annual Marathon, October 29, 2021 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

For more information, residents and visitors can contact the Jerusalem Municipality information center by calling 106, checking the municipality app, or visiting  www.jerusalem-marathon.co.il.

Zev Stub contributed to this report.