(JTA) — Kenyans swept the first three places in Jerusalem’s first marathon.
Raymond Kipkoechh, 34, was first to cross the finish line March 25 in a time of 2:26:44. Next was Mutai Kopkorir, 24, in 2:26:55, followed by Kiman Njorage, 33, in 2:27:19.
The first three women were Oda Worknesh, 26, of Ethiopa with a time of 2:50:05; Rosaline David, 35, of Kenya, in 2:50:06; and Wioletta Kryza, 42, of Poland, in 2:51:21.
More than 10,000 runners — over a thousand from 40 countries, the rest local — ran a hilly, challenging race that included the Old City, the Mount of Olives, the promenade overlooking the Holy Basin and the Knesset.
Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat, ran and said it was a triumph over the terrorists who planted a bomb two days earlier at Jerusalem’s central bus station that killed one and wounded dozens.
"Just two days ago our city was targeted once again by a deadly terrorist attack, but our people and our city are strong — and the terrorists will not prevent us from running on this important day," Barkat said.
The run was sponsored by the city, its development authority and Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.
A number of teams raised money for charities.
