1st Bethlehem City Run
Friday,
July 25th was an exciting morning in Bethlehem as the 1st Bethlehem City Run
finally took place. The International Center of Bethlehem had originally
scheduled the event for March/April 2002. Tragically, due to the numerous
bombings, invasions and curfews we had postponed it indefinitely. But, on this
Friday in July over 100 children joined in a race through the Old City.
Eighty-five children and youth pre-registered, coming to the Madbasseh Sqare to pick up their numbers that morning. To our delight, an additional 28 children came to register just minutes before the race was due to begin. It meant a 30 minute delay in starting, but it was well-worth it to be able to include more eager participants. Most of the students were members of the Dar Annadwa Bright Stars Summer Academy which offered 18 different clubs including “running”.
In the end, 113 children from the Bethlehem area between the ages of 6 - 16, finally took part. Depending on their age bracket, the children ran between one lap (400 meters) to 4 laps (1600 meters). From Madbasseh Square they rounded to Haret-El-Fawaghreh Steet, through a small side street, with the QOS, in front of Dar Annadwa and the Lutheran Church on Paul VI ST.
Having never been in a race before, some of the child discovered it was not easy to find a pace which one could keep up for the whole distance. Some started too fast, falling back in the 2nd or 3rd round. But, whether at the front or struggling to finish, all the children were encouraged by people watching on the way, being cheered along just for participating. Many passersby stopped to watch and clap as the children raced around the town. A special word of thanks must go to the Palestinian police who blocked the streets to ensure a safe run for all.
The first
3 boys and girls in each category received certificates and prizes, like caps,
CD’s, books and shirts which were donated by German individuals and the United
Methodist Church. All in all it was a lot of fun. The race was such a nice
experience that now the students are eager to train for the 2nd Bethlehem City
Run next year!
Johannes Zang, the race director and finisher of various marathons, discovered a number of 'running' talents. He reported there were some who “might be able to run for Palestine in the 800 or 1500 meter races in the Olympics in 4 or 8 years once some appropriate training was offered."
