The 2025 Jerusalem Marathon opened Friday morning with a powerful and emotional moment as Karina Arayev—who was freed from Hamas captivity after more than 500 days—launched the 5-kilometer race, sending thousands of runners on their way. The first wave of the race began at 7:00 a.m., followed by a second start at 7:15 a.m., with over 10,000 participants in the 5K event.
I’m Not Here Just for Myself
Addressing the crowd before the race, Arayev said: “I’m not here just for myself. I’m here for those who haven’t yet returned. For those who fell, for those still waiting. For those whose memory is forever etched in our hearts… We’re here today to remind ourselves and the world—–we can. We don’t break. We run because we are strong. We run because we are free.”
Standing beside her were Mayor Lion, who ran the race himself, along with other dignitaries.
Community Run Highlights Social Inclusion
At 8:00 a.m., the “Communities Run”—an 800-meter inclusive event—kicked off to promote awareness for social causes. The launch was led by Amal Assad, Chair of “For the Druze Sons” Association, and Kalman Samuels, founder of the Shalva Center, an organization which provides an all-encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities from infancy to adulthood. Assad praised the city, saying:
“Jerusalem is a shining example of the extraordinary relationship with the Druze community. It is a great honor to participate in Israel’s largest marathon.”
Dozens of social organizations took part in the race, including: the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization, World Bnei Akiva, Shalva, United Hatzalah, OneFamily, Koby Mandell Foundation, Michael Levin Base, Beit Daniella, among others.
