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Volunteering for the 2022 Palestine Marathon

Yes Alumni Volunteering At Palestine Marathon

On March 13, 10 YES alumni volunteered to help prepare for the annual Palestine Marathon, which occurred on March 18. The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) recognized this athletic event as an international marathon in 2017, followed by the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) in 2018. The Palestine Marathon aims to create a running culture in Palestine and build relationships between Palestinians and people from around the world based on a mutual love for long-distance running. 

Tala Zalloum 20 Volunteering At Palestine Marathon

Since this is an important event for the Palestinian community, the YES alumni decided to help with its preparations. In the morning, the YES alumni met in Ramallah. A representative from Palestine Marathon explained how to help prepare for the event as volunteers. So, the YES alumni split into two groups, one group for the morning shift and another group to help in the evening. The YES alumni were responsible for handing out running gear and the assigned bib numbers to the athletes and also explain the marathon route. In between managing these shifts at the runners’ booth, the YES alumni ate lunch with the other volunteers.

YES alumna Tala Kherawish shares, “We had the amazing opportunity to meet participants from all around the world and help them communicate their needs and concerns about the marathon. My favorite part was handing out running gear to the participants and seeing the excitement on their families’ faces.”

Our YES alumni value opportunities that support their local communities coming together for causes to bridge peace and understanding. 

Tala Kherawish (YES 2019–2020, West Bank, placed by American Councils in Hyatsville, MD)


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