Equality in Sports is an Inspirational Model for Every Girl

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL, March 14, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Two and a half weeks to the siren blow. The Jerusalem International "Winner" Marathon was launched today (Monday) in a festive event at the Mamilla Hotel in the presence of the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon, and on the occasion of Women's Day, which will take place tomorrow. During the event, Leon presented a special award given to athlete Esther Roth-Shahamorov, one of the greatest athletes in the history of the State of Israel, who will celebrate her 70th birthday next month as a symbol and appreciation for her unique contribution to women's sports in Israel.

Roth-Shahamorov, winner of the Israel Prize for Sports, is a former Israeli athlete who finished sixth in the 100-meter hurdles at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and thus became the first Israeli athlete to participate in any Olympic final. In international competitions, she has won 8 individual medals. 6 medals in the Asian Games, including 5 gold and 1 silver, and 2 gold medals in the Asian Athletics Championships, more than any other Israeli athlete of all time.

"Esther is an inspiring figure among many women and future athletes," said Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon at the event. "Her many achievements during the years of her glorious career, leave their mark on many women and girls who see her as a role model. We continue to invest in women's sports in Jerusalem and are proud of each and every one of the many athletes who grow up in the city."

"It is a great excitement for me to receive such an appreciation from you, from our exciting and beautiful capital city of Jerusalem," said Esther Roth-Shakharov. "Women in achievement sports have come a long way, overcoming challenges of prejudice and lack of resources and support, and today, although there is still much work to be done, we are seeing the right buds of investing in women's sports. My breakthrough and that of other great athletes who have done it despite the many difficulties in the past is a beacon of hope. Gender equality in sports can and should be a model of inspiration and imitation for every girl - of achievement and excellence - in whatever way she chooses to do."

The Jerusalem International "Winner" Marathon will take place on March 25 and is expected to be attended by about 30,000 participants who will run in a route that combines the unique landscapes of the city of Jerusalem with a sporting challenge. The marathon producers say that the percentage of women who participate in all heats is about 40%.

"This year, too, I will wear the marathon shirt and run with thousands of runners from around the country and the world on the streets of our beloved city," added Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon. "The Jerusalem "Winner" Marathon is gaining sympathy year after year, establishing itself as one of the most challenging and beautiful marathons in the world. It is an event that is a huge pride for Jerusalem residents. And its emphasis is on the development of tourism and business in the city."

Yael Elmore, CEO of Toto, the main sponsor of the marathon, said that: "The Jerusalem "Winner" Marathon represents the Israeli sport with great honor and embodies the 'I believe' of the Toto - a combination of popular and professional sports together, where the best marathon runners run alongside with running devotees of all ages. All this, together with the breathtaking views of Jerusalem, make the Jerusalem "Winner" Marathon an unforgettable running experience. The Toto family is proud of the female empowerment coming out of this event, and hopes to see more women take part in Israel sports activities. I wish great success to all runners."

As it is every year, the Jerusalem International "Winner" Marathon is also the largest social sporting event in the country in which dozens of associations such as: Shalva, the Association for the War on Cancer, AMIT, Kav LaChaim, Dercheynu, Adi, Yahad, the Center for Rape and Sexual Assault victims, Kobi Mendel Foundation, and more. The marathon is a source of income for tourism in the capital, and according to the forecast this year, revenues of NIS dictionaries are expected to be millions of NIS that will be invested back in business development and social projects around the city.

The marathon will be held in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines in effect on the day of the race.

Registration for the marathon is open and offers six heats:
Full marathon (42.2 km); half marathon (21.1 km); 10 km, 5 km; family race (1.7 km), and community race (800 meters). For registration and further details regarding tracks, accommodation options and accompanying events, please visit the marathon website: https://jerusalem-marathon.com

The Jerusalem "Winner" Marathon is managed by the Sports Department at the Jerusalem Municipality, in conjunction with the Jerusalem Development Authority, with the support of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Legacy, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and Sports and with the main sponsorship of Toto "Winner".

The runners who sign up to the race will receive a package of products that includes a sweat-wicking race shirt from Saucony, a bib number based on their personal heat, a single-used electronic measurement chip and many more deals and benefits.

Additional sponsors for the marathon: Mey Eden, Hapoel Center, Eldan, Cinema City, Ridman College and Bezeq Asakim. The marathon is produced by Target Market.

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