I felt like I was praying with my legs as I raced through the streets of our holy city in the Jerusalem Marathon this past Friday. With Biblical verses running through my head, I was thrilled to “run through the streets of Yerushalayim” (Jeremiah 5:1) with my son Dovid and daughter Bella. I was overjoyed to see “the streets of the city filled” (Zechariah 8:5) with over 20,000 runners and walkers celebrating the energy and vitality of Jerusalem. And thanks to the gorgeous weather, the runners were all smiling from ear to ear as they ascended the steep inclines of “the city surrounded by hills” (Psalms 125:2).

While marathons are common in other cities around the world, there is a major focus on kindness at the Jerusalem Marathon that gives it a special and spiritual flavor. There were hundreds of runners and walkers with disabilities, and many more who were there to cheer them on.

There are many great courses through many beautiful cities all over the world, but those who ran this past Friday will tell you that there was a different feeling here. It’s the recognition that the Jewish people have returned to Zion and that only in the Jerusalem Marathon can you pray with your legs.

Take a look at the photos below to get a feel for the 2021 Jerusalem Marathon.

Beaty Deutsch wins 1st place in women’s half marathon

Runners in wheelchairs arrive at the finish line of the Jerusalem Marathon. Photo by Yaniv Nadav/Flash90

Thousands of runners take part in the annual marathon in Jerusalem, October 29, 2021. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

Rabbi Tuly Weisz running in the 2021 Jerusalem Marathon

Team Shalva celebrating kids with disabilities at the Jerusalem Marathon. Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90