Palestine Marathon resumes in Bethlehem, highlighting right to movement

The 10th edition of the Palestine Marathon was held on 8 May 2026 in Bethlehem, West Bank, marking its return after a two‑year suspension caused by the Gaza war. More than 13,000 runners participated, including about 2,500 athletes from Gaza, roughly 1,000 international entrants from 75 countries, and thousands of local Palestinians.

The race course crossed the Israeli‑built separation wall, refugee camps and historic sites, underscoring the event’s theme “Right to Movement” and drawing attention to the restrictions on Palestinian mobility. A parallel run was organised in the Gaza Strip, where thousands of residents, including people with disabilities, took part despite ongoing hostilities. Notable among the competitors was Palestinian runner Mohamad Al‑Assi, who had been released from an Israeli prison six months earlier and finished second, dedicating his performance to detained Palestinians.

Organisers and participants described the marathon as both a sporting event and a humanitarian statement, aiming to showcase solidarity with the Palestinian people and resilience in the face of continued conflict.