ABOVE: Thousands take to the streets in the West Bank as part of the Palestine Marathon
The third annual Palestine Marathon took place in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Friday.
According to the Palestinian Olympic Committee, some 3,200 runners competed in Friday’s race, which included shorter 10-kilometre and 21-kilometre options, as well as the full 42-kilometre distance.
The race started and finished at the Church of the Nativity in Manger Square, and parts of the route followed the Israeli-built West Bank separation barrier.
The first to arrive at the finish line was Nader Masri, a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip who finished in two hours, 57 minutes, 14 seconds.
Last year, Masri was barred by Israel from travelling to the West Bank to participate in the race.
Masri also participated in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
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