1. Why do we Run The Wall?
Over 10% of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured in the genocide. Two million people are still trying to survive in tents and badly damaged buildings, with little or no sanitation. The shadows of trauma, life-changing injuries and destruction demand actions more than words.
Home demolitions, land confiscations and settler violence, illegal settlements, the Separation Wall... this is how Israel is annexing the West Bank.
We are running in solidarity with Palestinians and to demand an end to these injustices.
2. Where do I find help to promote Run The Wall?
Visit our toolkit page for publicity materials, digital assets and everything else you might need to participate in and promote Run The Wall.
3. Why is it called Run The Wall?
Unique: Marathon runners in Bethlehem walking alongside the illegal Separation Wall as part of the Palestine Marathon
Amos Trust has been taking runners to Bethlehem to take part in the Palestine Marathon since its inception in 2013.
In 2020 the Marathon was cancelled due to COVID. In partnership with the Palestinian running network Right To Movement we set up Run The Wall, so that runners could run where they were in solidarity with Palestine. It has now become an annual event.
Run The Wall takes its name from the section of the Palestine Marathon that follows the 8-metre-high Separation Wall in Bethlehem.
4. What is unique about the Palestine Marathon?
The Palestine Marathon was founded by a network of runners called Right To Movement, to demand their freedom of movement and raise awareness around the restrictions on movement for Palestinians in the West Bank.
As there are not 26 miles of contiguous Palestinian state, runners start in Manger Square, run 6.5 miles to the edge of the Palestinian-controlled areas, hit the Separation Wall and then go back to complete a half marathon. To do the full marathon, you have to run this route twice.
While a small number of people run the full and half marathon, thousands participate in the 10km challenge and 5km family run. The Palestine Marathon has become a celebration of life in an occupied, hemmed-in town.
5. What is the Separation Wall?
Apartheid Wall: Cutting deep into the West Bank, denying communities access to their land, denying them the right to movement
Work began on the Israeli Separation Wall in 2002. When completed, it will be 750km long. The Wall — also known as the Apartheid Wall, the Separation Barrier or the Security Fence — has had a devastating impact on Palestinians. It cuts deep into the West Bank, denying communities access to their land, denying them the right to movement (under Article 13 of the Universal Declaration), and stopping any effective dialogue.
The Wall consists of 8-metre-high concrete panels in urban areas around Bethlehem. Elsewhere, it combines electric fences, razor wire, military access roads, bypass roads and watchtowers.
In 2004, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that Israel’s Separation Wall was illegal, violated international law and should be dismantled. It also recommended that the Palestinians affected be fully compensated.
The Separation Wall is the most visible aspect of Israel's ‘Matrix of Control’, which, together with the massive expansion of the illegal Israeli settlements, the building of Israeli bypass roads, the policy of home demolitions and land confiscations, make it apparent to Palestinians that their land is wanted without the indigenous Palestinian population.
6. How will the money I raise be used?
Emergency: Food aid being delivered in Rafah, Gaza, thanks to generous donations to our Gaza appeal
Amos Trust has been working in Palestine for 30 years and has partners on the ground in both Gaza and the West Bank. All money raised and donated via Run The Wall will support our work there.
Read more about our appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, the current situation and how money is being spent.
Read our Gaza and West Bank appeal →
7. How can I run the Marathon in Palestine?
The Palestine Marathon is taking place in Bethlehem on Friday 17th April, for the first time in three years. If you are interested in travelling out to Bethlehem to run the marathon, please contact [email protected]
8. Other questions about Run The Wall
If you have any further questions or require more information or fundraising support, please contact [email protected]
Join our mailing list
Words of hope
Get our emails direct to your Inbox with updates about all our campaigns, trips and events.