Running the marathon with faith

The Jerusalem’s third annual Marathon took place yesterday. The race had participants from 52 countries running in either the full 42-km marathon, the half marathon or a 10-km dash. It started at the Israeli parliament and followed a hilly course, through the entire city, including a short stretch inside the Old City.

Ethiopia’s Abraham Kabeto Ketla won the men’s marathon in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds, a record for the Jerusalem event. In second and third place were two athletes from Kenya. Ethiopia’s Mihiret Anamo Anotonios won the women’s event for the second consecutive year. Unlike the stormy conditions of last year, yesterday morning in Jerusalem was mild and dry.

Fr. Piotr, from the Jerusalem hehilla, was among more than 20 000 participants. He ran the 10 km track and finished the race in 832th place in his category (2400th overall). He reports: “The possibility of running together with thousands of people from all over the world, young and old, men, women and children is amazing. The route is very beautiful, there were incredible views. At a certain moment, even a couple of sheep joined the runners. People were happily helping each other during the race. The crowds at the streets applauded us and it was always great to see some known faces of friends shouting to me from among the crowds. I was running and thanking God for the gift of health, but also praying for all those who suffer. Especially the members of our Kehillot. We don’t understand the reasons God allows some people to be physically limited, but we believe that united in prayer we may help each other to survive the difficult moments. Sarah, Irena, Yohanan, Shoshana, Antoinette and all those who recently feel some weakness of health, this medal is for you”.

The next Jerusalem Marathon will take place on March 21th 2014. Will there be more runners from our Kehillot? Fr. Piotr will start the preparations soon. Join him!