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Bethlehem Marathon returns as Gaza ceasefire holds

Thousands gather in the West Bank for race event following two-year hiatus caused by regional conflict.

Foreign PolicyPublished May 8, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Runners taking a selfie at the start of the marathon

The Palestine Marathon and Half Marathon returned to the streets of Bethlehem this week, marking the first time the event has been held in two years. The race, which had been suspended due to restrictions stemming from the war in Gaza, drew thousands of participants and spectators from the West Bank and international locations.

The event took place simultaneously with a race in Gaza, occurring as a fragile ceasefire remains in effect across the Palestinian territories. While the event proceeded, organizers and participants navigated a region still deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict that necessitated the previous multi-year cancellation.

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