Freedom of Movement Palestine Marathon

The run is for people who seek something extraordinary. Running in Palestine is something you don't do every day. Many don't know that such a run exists. If a friend of mine wouldn't have told me, I wouldn't have known about it. It's a rather small event for international standards, with roughly 7k runners spread over 5, 10, 21 and 42k. It's also a pretty new run that started only a few years ago. The runners are mostly local, but the international ones come from many different countries around the world. The atmosphere is great, relaxed, friendly and the route is hilly, but quite interesting because it passes by many sights and beautiful places. Prepare to ruin your PB and spend time taking photos.

The 21k, like all other runs, starts and ends on Manger Square, right in front of the Church of the Nativity. It takes you to two refugee camps, Banksy's Walled Off Hotel, the wall that separates Palestine from Israel and many beautiful buildings.

Under the direction of race director Eitedal Ismail, the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the non-profit Right to Movement "We Run to Tell a Different Story" the Palestine Marathon has become a premier international running event welcoming 7000 Palestinian and international runners to Bethlehem, Palestine in 2018. The Palestine Marathon starts at the Church of the Nativity taking runners through the Al Aida and Ad Dheisheh refugee camps, past Banksy's "Walled Off Hotel" and along the barrier wall separating Palestine from Israel. Distances include a marathon, half marathon, 10k, and a 5k family race. Casa Nova Bethlehem, a Franciscan guesthouse for pilgrims, is located on Manger Square.  It costs $60 per night which includes breakfast.  It's definitely worth considering if you are running the Palestine Marathon. Located steps from the starting line it adjoins the Church of the Nativity. Palestine doesn't yet have an independent Palestinian currency. Visitors can pay with the Israeli shekel, the US dollar, or the Jordanian dinar. Visit the Christmas House, Olive Wood Factory on Milk Grotto Street, and the Church of the Nativity on Manger Square. Banksy's "Walled Off Hotel" located at 182 Caritas Street houses a piano bar, gallery, museum & bookshop.   Taybeh beer is the local Palestinian beer.