Thousands of runners take part in the 2018 Jerusalem Marathon on March 9, 2018. Photo: Yonatan Sindel / Flash90.

JNS.org – More than 35,000 runners participated in the annual Jerusalem Marathon Friday morning, the largest number ever to take part.

Some 4,000 participants from 72 countries also took part, including Kipkogey Shardrak of Kenya, who was announced the winner just after 9:30 a.m. local time. Most of the runners were Jerusalemites, but thousands also arrived from Haifa, Modiin, Tel Aviv and Kfar Saba.

The event was joined by guest of honor Haile Gerselassie of Ethiopia, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 10,000 meter run and winner of four world championships for the same distance.

Marathon organizers noted that Hong Kong sent the greatest number of runners from outside Israel, followed by Los Angeles, Beijing and London.

Runners enjoyed pounding the pavement from the Knesset to Mahane Yehuda outdoor market, Mount Scopus, the Old City of Jerusalem, David’s Tower and the scenic Haas Promenade.

At least one proposal of marriage was issued during the event.