Thousands of runners take part in Bible Marathon that sees new time record

The winner, Adisu Osano from Rishon Etzion, crossed the finish line in 3:02:42, breaking a new record for the event.

Finish line of Bible Marathon on October 18, 2019. (photo credit: ISRAEL MARATHON)
Finish line of Bible Marathon on October 18, 2019.
(photo credit: ISRAEL MARATHON)
More than 4,000 runners from around the world took part on Friday in the fifth annual Bible Marathon, inspired by the Book of Judges.
The winner, Adisu Oskano from Rishon Lezion, crossed the finish line in 3:02:42, setting a record for the event, which is considered especially challenging considering the inclines and the terrain.
Among the women, Zohar Hal-Perry came first in a time of 4:09:35. As in previous years, athletes could choose between a 5-kilometer option, a 10-kilometer race, the half marathon or the full one.
An 800-meter-long route for special needs children was also offered.
The full marathon route started in Rosh Ha’ayin and ended in Shiloh. More than 100 participants from 23 different countries, including the US, Brazil, Russia, Sweden, Spain, and Uganda, traveled to Israel to participate in the race.
The regional councils of Rosh HaAyin, Ariel, Samaria and Binyamin organized the event together with the Israel Marathon.
“I’m proud of the international status of the Bible Marathon and excited by the blessed partnership with runners from abroad, who through the land connected to the roots of the Bible and wandered among the vineyards of Shiloh just like the ancient Benjamin man,” said Binyamin Regional Council chairman Yisrael Gantz.