International Marathon in Palestine next month

In April 2013, Palestine will be hosting its first marathon. Behind the race, a small group of Danish runners and Palestinian partners are pulling all strings to make the inaugural race a recurring event Road blocks, Israeli army, settlements and political conflict. This it what comes to mind when most people think of Palestine - and this is what every day life looks like to Palestinians. But Palestine also offers a magnificent natural landscape and cultural heritage, that they want to show the world - not least the Church of the Nativity. And this it where it all starts. On April 21 2013, the historic marathon kicks off at the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem, and takes the runners on a four-loop street course for the marathon, or a two- or one-loop course for the half-marathon or 10k-race. The challenge of finding a 42km course stretch on Palestinian territory The new street race has been in the works for a year. Two Danish women, and long-time friends, Lærke Hein and Signe Fischer, first got the idea, when they were brainstorming on developing a cultural exchange-event between Palestine and Denmark - or ideally the rest of the world. "We do it to show that the Palestinians love their land and have a lot to offer, and are perfectly capable of hosting an international marathon", Signe Fischer who has been stationed in a Danish NGO in Jerusalem since 2009, explains. "We want to contribute to tell a different story than the one of conflict and war." But there are other ways to promote mutual understanding than challenging people to run a long-distance race, one might think. To that, Signe Fischer, points out that due to continuos loss of land, it is impossible to close off a 42km marathon-stretch, for which reason the marathon runners will repeat a four loop course. And that in itself sends an important message. No political agenda Although this may sound as a pro-Palestine event, the women emphasize that this is about giving the Palestinians the opportunity to invite people in to explore their beautiful country. Also, it's about promoting health, especially among Palestinian women. We have already set up running practice every week on the West Bank, where local runners, involved in the project invite everyone to train with them to finish one of the three distance offered on April 21st. Managing a world class race To ensure the runners safety and professional handling of the event, Palestine Marathon has partnered with the Danish sports event agency, YWC sport, who is behind a series of Danish triathlon races, and works with international sports timing and security organisations, who have agreed to handle Palestine Marathon as well.