Bnei Menashe run the Jerusalem Marathon
In just a few short years, the Jerusalem Marathon has become one of the “must do” running events in the sporting world. This year, the Marathon attracted some a record setting 30,000 runners – from Israel and across the globe. Participants from 62 countries joined fitness fans including Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.
This was also the first year that the Marathon included members of the Bnei Menashe community. Rabbi Gurion Sela and his entire family – including his wife and six children – donned their purple Marathon t-shirts, pinned on their official numbers, and set out for the finish line.
The Sela family didn’t attempt to do the full 42.2 kilometer marathon – the 1.7 kilometer family fun run/walk was just the right speed. Still, nothing points to the integration of the Bnei Menashe community into Israeli life than participating in this quintessential – if still relatively new – Jerusalem tradition.
Congratulations to the Sela family!
Countries represented in this year’s Marathon included Uzbekistan, Argentina, Hong Kong, Austria, Singapore, Turkey, the United States and Switzerland. Sixty runners registered from China alone.