JERUSALEM (AP)– Abraham Kabeto Ketla of Ethiopia has won the third Jerusalem marathon, setting a record for the race. Some 20,000 runners took part Friday morning in the Jerusalem marathon, which was won by Abraham Kabeto Ketla.
Ketla finished in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds Friday, beating the record by three minutes.
Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo of Kenya was second at 2:19:02. Vincent Kiplagat Kiptoo of Kenya finished third.
Mihiret Anamo Anotonios of Ethiopia set a record in the women’s race with 2:47:26. Radiya Mohammed Roba of Ethiopia was second with 3:05:58. The top Israeli finisher was Liran Raz.
The city had been prepping for days for the onslaught of runners participating in the full 42-kilometer (26.2-mile) race; the 21.1-kilometer (13.11-mile) half marathon; and the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) course.
Palestinians called for a boycott of the marathon because it passed through east Jerusalem, which they claim for a future capital. Palestinians held a small protest without disrupting the race, police said.
Israel captured east Jerusalem in the 1967 war. It claims the whole city as its capital.