Mohamad Al-Assi, 27, completed the race through Bethlehem and nearby Palestinian refugee camps after rebuilding his strength following more than two and a half years in Israeli detention, where he said poor prison conditions severely weakened his physical condition.

The annual Palestine Marathon, held for the first time in three years, drew thousands of participants and international solidarity runners at a time when many cultural festivals and public gatherings across the West Bank have been canceled or reduced because of the war in Gaza and tighter Israeli movement restrictions.

The marathon route wound through Bethlehem, passing stretches of the concrete barrier separating Israel from the West Bank before looping twice through narrow streets and nearby agricultural areas because runners cannot complete a standard marathon course without encountering Israeli checkpoints or military gates.

Organizers said the event was designed to draw attention to movement restrictions faced by Palestinians in the West Bank, where checkpoints, military closures and expanding Israeli settlements have increasingly constrained daily travel and access to open land.

Al-Assi, who lives in the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem, said his training routine was repeatedly interrupted by Israeli military operations in the area. He resumed running in December after his release and gradually increased his training distances, according to his account on the fitness tracking application Strava.

“The main difficulties we face are the cars on the roads and the presence of Israeli security forces along the route where I train,” Al-Assi said.He was arrested in April 2023 and initially held under Israel’s administrative detention system, which permits authorities to detain individuals for renewable periods without formal charges.

Palestinian rights organizations and Israeli human rights groups say between 3,000 and 4,000 Palestinians are currently being held under the system.In October 2023, Al-Assi was convicted on charges related to transferring money to suspicious entities, allegations he denies.

Israeli authorities closely scrutinize financial transfers linked to Gaza and Palestinian organizations over concerns funds could reach militant groups. Israel’s military, Shin Bet internal security agency and Prison Service did not comment on his case.Al-Assi said inadequate prison diets and prolonged detention significantly reduced his endurance and muscle mass after years of competitive training.

“I was emotionally shattered after spending such a long period in prison,” he said.The atmosphere in Bethlehem contrasted sharply with the broader regional tensions surrounding the war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire efforts underway there. Crowds gathered near the Church of the Nativity before sunrise as drummers and bagpipers accompanied runners through the city’s streets.

Parallel events were also held in Gaza, including shorter races involving amputees and disabled runners in Nuseirat in central Gaza. Participants said the events reflected an effort to restore a sense of normalcy after more than two years of conflict and destruction.After crossing the finish line, Al-Assi collapsed to his knees and dedicated his performance to Palestinians still being held in Israeli prisons.

Ishank began his swim from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and reached Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu, India, after battling strong currents and changing sea conditions in the narrow but challenging stretch of water that separates the island nation from the Indian mainland.

The Palk Strait, known for its unpredictable tides and marine currents, has long been regarded as one of South Asia’s toughest open-water swimming routes, often attempted by trained endurance swimmers seeking to test physical and mental resilience.

According to reports, Ishank trained for the feat for several months at Ranchi’s Dhurwa Dam under the supervision of coaches and family members, spending several hours daily building stamina and adapting to long-distance swimming conditions despite Ranchi being far from any coastal environment.His parents said the preparation involved strict physical conditioning, early morning practice sessions and monitored endurance drills designed to prepare him for saltwater conditions and prolonged exposure at sea.

Officials associated with the swim said safety boats and a professional support team accompanied the child swimmer throughout the crossing to monitor weather conditions, hydration and fatigue during the nearly 10-hour effort.The achievement has drawn attention in Jharkhand, where local officials and sports enthusiasts praised the young swimmer’s discipline and endurance.

Open-water swimming remains a niche sport in India compared with cricket and athletics, but long-distance sea crossings have increasingly gained recognition through record-setting attempts by young athletes.

India has seen several high-profile endurance swims across channels such as the English Channel and the Palk Strait in recent years, with swimmers often using such feats to gain entry into national record books and international recognition.Ishank’s successful crossing adds to that growing list, placing the Ranchi schoolboy among the youngest athletes to complete the Sri Lanka-to-India route under supervised conditions.

Harry Newton, an 88-year-old retired grocer from Macclesfield, has become the oldest participant in the London Marathon, underscoring the growing visibility of older athletes in endurance sports.

Newton, who has taken part in the race multiple times, said he intends to continue running for as long as his health allows. His participation highlights both personal resilience and broader trends in active ageing, as more elderly individuals engage in physically demanding events traditionally associated with younger competitors.

The London Marathon, one of the world’s most prominent long-distance running events, attracts tens of thousands of participants annually, ranging from elite athletes to amateur runners. While age categories exist within the race structure, participants in their late 80s remain rare, making Newton’s continued involvement notable.

Newton’s background as a grocer in Macclesfield reflects a non-professional sporting trajectory, distinguishing him from elite runners. His marathon participation is rooted in personal commitment rather than competitive ambition, with a focus on completion rather than performance metrics.

His continued involvement in marathon running aligns with broader research indicating that sustained physical activity in older age can contribute to improved cardiovascular health, mobility, and mental well-being.

Events such as the London Marathon have increasingly accommodated older runners through enhanced medical support and inclusive participation frameworks.Organisers have expanded safety protocols over time, including on-course medical teams and pre-race health guidance, enabling wider demographic participation.

This has facilitated the inclusion of older runners, although participation at Newton’s age remains exceptional.Newton’s statement that he will continue “as long as I can” reflects a pragmatic approach to ageing and physical capability, acknowledging both determination and the limits imposed by health and endurance.

His participation also resonates within local communities such as Macclesfield, where individuals like Newton often become symbols of longevity and active lifestyles. While not positioned as a competitive figure, his presence in the marathon underscores the accessibility of endurance events beyond elite athletic circles.

The visibility of older participants in major races has prompted increased discussion within public health and sports communities about the role of physical activity in ageing populations. Newton’s case illustrates how long-distance running can extend into advanced age when supported by consistent training and medical fitness.

As marathon events continue to emphasize inclusivity, participants like Newton represent a small but growing cohort challenging conventional assumptions about age and physical limits in endurance sport.