Run where you are
What is Run the Wall?
Run the Wall is a solidarity challenge where people around the world run, walk or cycle 750 kilometres — the length of the Israeli Separation Wall in Palestine. We run to remember the human cost of the Wall, to demand freedom of movement for Palestinians and to raise funds for our work in Gaza and the West Bank.
It’s a powerful way to build awareness, challenge injustice and stand in solidarity with Palestinians whose lives are constrained by walls, checkpoints and occupation.
Five things you need to know
- Run where you are
- Run any distance from 5–55km
- Run the same weekend as the Palestine Marathon
- Run with thousands of others from around the world
- Run in solidarity with Palestine
“We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” Nelson Mandela
A global movement
People have taken part in Run the Wall from across England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Turkey, South Africa, Burundi, Mauritius, Australia, Egypt, Dubai, UAE and of course, Palestine — where our friends at Right To Movement and Holy Land Trust always have an incredible turnout.
When we run, we run together — across borders, across continents, united in the demand for Palestinian freedom.
Why the Wall matters
Work began on the Israeli Separation Wall in 2002. When completed, it will stretch 750 kilometres. The Wall — also known as the Apartheid Wall, the Separation Barrier or Security Fence — has had a devastating impact on Palestinians.
It cuts deep into the Palestinian West Bank, denying communities access to their land and their right to movement. It separates farmers from their olive groves, children from their schools, families from each other. It puts a stop to any effective dialogue or hope for peace.
In urban areas like Bethlehem, the Wall consists of 8-metre-high concrete panels. Elsewhere, it’s a combination of electric fences, razor wire, military access roads, bypass roads and watchtowers.
On Your Marks, Get Set... a crowd of runners gather at the start of the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem.
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 Palestinians affected be fully compensated.
The Wall still stands. Palestinians still can’t move freely in their own land.
From the Palestine Marathon to Run the Wall
In April 2013, Amos Trust took a team to Bethlehem to run the first Right to Movement Palestine Marathon. Since then, we’ve taken groups to run in solidarity with Palestinians demanding their freedom of movement and to raise funds for our partners in Gaza and the West Bank.
We set up Run the Wall in partnership with Right To Movement, the Palestinian network of runners who created the Palestine Marathon. Even when we can’t travel to Palestine, we can still run in solidarity — wherever we are.
A group of marathon runners walking by an Israeli watch tour as part of the Palestine Marathon in Bethlehem
Get involved
Run the Wall takes place at different times throughout the year. When the next challenge opens, we’ll share details about how to sign up, fundraise and be part of this global movement.
Interested in taking part? Join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming Run the Wall events.
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