BETHLEHEM, March 28, 2017 (WAFA) – The fifth Free Movement Palestine Marathon (formerly Right to Movement Palestine Marathon) is set to kick start in Bethlehem on Friday, according to organizers and police.

The Palestine Olympic Committee (POC), which for the first time is organizing this year’s marathon without the international Right to Movement, said 5500 runners from all over the world have so far registered for the run.

“This will be the largest Palestine Marathon ever,” it said on its Facebook page.

Police said several roads will be closed in Bethlehem on Friday to allow easy movement for the runners.

The marathon is expected to start at 8 in the morning from Manger Square outside the Nativity Church.

It includes four tracks, the longest is 42 kilometers, then 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers and the shortest is two kilometers.

“The objective of the POC pursuit in the Palestine Marathon is to focus the lens on the basic right to move freely in Palestine,” said the POC on its website. “To achieve this goal, the organization provides a fun and challenging experience which first and foremost incorporates exchange in cultural values by engaging international runners and supporters in the event. This interaction then sheds light to the rest of the world and increases their awareness of matters such as the restrictions that Palestinians face on a daily basis because of the occupation.”

The first race in 2013, launched by the Right to Movement, started with only 700 runners to reach 5000 runners from 63 countries in 2016.

“We wanted to shed light on violations of the basic human right of freedom of movement of Palestinian people caused by the occupation,” said the Right to Movement about its reasons for organizing the marathon.

M.K.