2013 Jerusalem Winner International Marathon prepares for record-breaking Run on March 1st

(JERUSALEM – February  2013) With less than one day remaining before the official start of the 2013 Winner International Marathon, race organizers have announced unprecedented registration figures which include over 1,600 international applicants from some 52 nations.

The event will see 70 international media representatives come to Israel specifically to cover the race. The Jerusalem Development Authority (www.jda.gov.il) has been involved with promoting the Marathon among the international community via online initiatives that has proven its value in the more than 1,600 runners that have already registered from around the world.

The Marathon is one of numerous programs that the JDA has successfully promoted as part of the new www.itraveljerusalem.com website which provides visitors to the city with an array of attractions and discounts at many of Jerusalem's top sites. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who will again personally run in the race and has been responsible for bringing an international marathon of this scope to this city, said,

“We have succeeded in making this the biggest and most influential international sporting event Israel has ever seen.” In recent weeks, the race has attracted increasing popularity, bolstered by Women’s Running Magazine awarding it one of the top ten spring races.

The 17,000 runners will be divided between three competitive courses: the full marathon at 42.2 kilometers, the half marathon (21.1 km) and a 10-kilometer course. Youth and families will also be encouraged to race in shorter “fun runs.”

The main race courses make their way past many of Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmarks including the Knesset, into the Old City and alongside its distinctive walls, Sultan’s Pool, Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives, among others. Mayor Barkat further commented, “As a runner who has completed five marathons in cities around the world, I can state with confidence that running in Jerusalem represents an experience that is more emotional than anything else.

Jerusalem combines remarkable and breathtaking views with a competitive and sometimes challenging course. The Jerusalem Marathon is a truly international event that places us on par with leading cities around the world like New York, London, Berlin and Paris. The race represents a significant contribution for tourism and to the local economy. Once again this year, our international delegations will be joined by runners from the IDF and a record number of organizations that will be running to raise money for a wide spectrum of different causes and charities. I invite everyone to take part in the festivities surrounding the race and to enjoy the truly unique spirit of athleticism and culture that can only take place here in Jerusalem.”

The nature of the city and the course its topography offers allows the race to attract a high number of runners from many nations. Alongside the thousands of Israelis, the 2013 event will include participants from Europe, North and South America, Africa and the Far East.

The most sizable contingents will come from the US, Germany, the UK and France. This year there will also be large representations from Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Russia, Poland and the Netherlands. In addition, for the first time runners will come to Jerusalem from Panama, Trinidad and Costa Rica. Jerusalem Municipality economists are estimating that revenue from increased hotel bookings and related tourism income will amount to over 6.5 million shekels (1.75 million dollars).

Over one million shekels has been invested in marketing and promoting the race in industry publications around the world and through social and traditional media.

Over 70 individual media outlets will journey to Israel to cover the race with this activity estimated to be worth over one million dollars in publicity. International press representatives covering the race are being hosted in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism who will produce a specially organized program to introduce them to many of Israel’s top tourist destinations.

 

Source: Jerusalem Marathon