Thousands of runners gathered in Bethlehem and across the Gaza Strip this week as the Palestine Marathon returned for the first time in three years, bringing scenes of endurance and solidarity amid the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza.

Participants from dozens of countries joined local runners in routes shaped by the realities of life under occupation. In Bethlehem, competitors were unable to complete a standard 42-kilometre course because of Israeli checkpoints and movement restrictions, instead running repeated loops through streets lined with concrete separation walls, surveillance infrastructure and refugee camps. Organisers said the event aimed to highlight Palestinians’ right to freedom of movement between their towns and cities.

At the same time, a separate five-kilometre race was held inside Gaza, where many participants appeared with visible war injuries, some running or walking with crutches. The event unfolded against the backdrop of widespread destruction, displacement and continuing Israeli attacks across the enclave. Organisers said more than 13,000 people took part overall, including international runners representing around 75 countries.

Women were also among the participants in large numbers, marking a significant moment for the event years after earlier editions faced controversy over women’s participation. For many runners, the marathon carried a message extending beyond sport, reflecting perseverance and daily life under blockade, occupation and war.