The Palestine International Marathon Returns

May 8, 2026, 21:46
Middle EastSports

Introduction

The 10th Palestine International Marathon happened on Friday. People ran in Bethlehem and Gaza.

Main Body

The race in Bethlehem started at the Church of the Nativity. Samer al-Joulani won the long race. The runners ran in a circle because Israeli soldiers blocked the roads. This showed that Palestinians cannot move freely. In Gaza, 2,523 people ran a short race. Women and people with disabilities also ran. This was the first time the race happened in Gaza. Leaders say the race helps people feel better after the war. One runner is Mohamad Al-Assi. He came in second place. He was in prison for a long time. He had to train hard to make his muscles strong again. Many people in these areas are still in prison or hurt.

Conclusion

The event ended with a party in Manger Square. Now, big sports events are back in the region.

Learning

🏃 The 'Past Action' Pattern

To describe things that already happened, we often just add -ed to the end of the action word. Look at these examples from the story:

  • Start → Started
  • Block → Blocked*
  • End → Ended

Wait! Not every word follows this rule. Some words change completely. We call these 'special' words:

  • Win → Won
  • Run → Ran
  • Come → Came

Quick Guide for A2: If you want to tell a story about yesterday, try adding -ed. If that sounds wrong, check if the word is a 'special' one like ran or won.

Vocabulary Learning

ran
to move quickly on foot
Example:I ran to the store.
race
a competition to see who is fastest
Example:The kids had a race.
people
human beings in general
Example:Many people were at the park.
women
female human beings
Example:Women are helping in the kitchen.
prison
a place where people are kept as punishment
Example:He was in prison for a long time.
train
to practice hard to improve skill
Example:She will train for the marathon.
muscles
tissues that help the body move
Example:His muscles feel strong.
strong
having great power or ability
Example:She is a strong swimmer.
first
the earliest or highest in order
Example:She won the first prize.
second
the one after the first
Example:He came in second place.
place
a particular position or area
Example:The race was held in a big place.
event
an organized activity or occurrence
Example:The event started at noon.
party
a social gathering for celebration
Example:They had a party after the race.
big
large in size or amount
Example:The stadium is big.
sports
physical activities that involve skill and competition
Example:Sports help keep you healthy.
back
return to a place or state
Example:The games are back in the city.
region
an area or part of a country
Example:The region is peaceful now.
freely
without restriction or limitation
Example:They can move freely.
short
not long in distance or duration
Example:The short race was easy.
long
extending over a great distance or time
Example:The long race was tough.
circle
a round shape or path
Example:They ran in a circle.
blocked
prevented from moving or passing
Example:The roads were blocked.
roads
paths for vehicles and people to travel
Example:The roads were closed.
disabilities
conditions that limit a person’s physical or mental abilities
Example:People with disabilities can join.
feel
to experience an emotion or sensation
Example:I feel happy.
better
in a more improved state
Example:She feels better after rest.
after
in the time following something
Example:After the race, they ate cake.
war
a conflict between groups or nations
Example:The war ended last year.
help
to give assistance or support
Example:The race helps people.
move
to change position or location
Example:They move quickly.
cannot
not able to or not allowed to
Example:They cannot run fast.
showed
demonstrated or revealed
Example:It showed that they were brave.
started
began or commenced
Example:The race started at 8 a.m.
Church
a building for Christian worship
Example:The Church is old.
Nativity
the birth of Jesus Christ, often depicted in art
Example:The Nativity is a story.