New York – March 26, 2015: In a region with an abundance of historically significance sites, picturesque vineyards and olive groves, the first “Bible Marathon” will be held on April 9th, 2015. Runners will follow in the footsteps of the “Man of Benjamin,” a 42km route from Rosh Ha’ayin to the ancient city of Shiloh in the hill country north of Jerusalem.
Before the Greek reference to “marathon” in the 5th Century B.C., the Bible’s Book of Samuel describes “a man of Benjamin” who ran from the battlefield in Eben Ezer (modern day Rosh Ha’ayin) to Shiloh. This messenger had the unenviable task of telling the priest, Eli, of the Israelites defeat by the Philistines, the death of his sons, Phineas and Hophni, and the Philistine’s capture of the Ark of the Covenant.
The first marathon in history is revived in this athletic event, which will include hundreds of runners from around the globe culminating in a celebration among Shiloh’s ruins (pictured above). Runners can register for one of three challenges: a 42km full marathon, a 15km run or a 5km run around Shiloh.
