The fifth Free Movement Palestine Marathon is set to kick off in Bethlehem on Friday according to the Palestine Olympic Committee (POC). Over 6000 runners from all over the world have so far registered for the run including 500 of the disabled POC said.
The marathon is expected to start at 8 in the morning from Manger Square outside the Nativity Church in the city.
Major General Jibreen Al- Bakri Governor of Bethlehem said that “the marathon has several messages; most significant increasing the awareness of international runners of matters such as the restrictions that Palestinians face with relation to the freedom of movement on a daily basis because of the occupation in addition to the confiscation of the Palestinian land and the Separation Wall.”
This year marathon will be the largest Palestine Marathon ever. The highest number of participants will be from Britain with a number of 150 runners.
Runners from Gaza Strip 6 Arab countries as well as 20 foreign states will compete in the marathon. Some athletes however have not been granted permits from Israeli authorities in order to be able to enter Bethlehem.
