Jerusalem - not just a city, but the holiest city in the world! A city that awakens one’s faith, emotions and intellect. Now combine all this with running. This is mind, body and soul. Running through thousands of years in one workout. My favorite places to run are along the Old City walls, around Mount Scopus, and in my neighborhood, Abu-Tor and its streets. Here is a suggested running route passing by the most important landmarks of the Old City.
Jerusalem First Station
A great place to start the day, stretch the body and get ready to run towards Mount Zion. Those of you who will join an organized running tour will make stops at some off the beaten path historical as they make their way to Mount Zion.
A little bit of history; Jerusalem's train station was inaugurated in 1892 during the Ottoman empire times in Israel and it offered its passengers a 4 hour train ride from Jerusalem to the port city of Jaffa (AKA today Tel Aviv-Jaffa). The actual train line operated until 1998. Now the First Station entertainment center offers restaurants, activities and events (also on Shabbat).
Mount Zion
Mount Zion is where you will see the Dormition Abbey, The Room of the Last Supper, King David's Tomb, a graveyard where the famous Oscar Schindler is buried, and other interesting sites which you can visit or run by:) We enter the Old City via Zion Gate.
The Old city
You can spend days discovering the Old City's landmarks and stories but we are on the run!! so, we are going to run near the main landmarks, make a quick stop to refresh and visit the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and continue back towards Mount Zion, and back at the First Station where we started. This itinerary takes approx 1.5 - 2 hours including stops for bathrooms and visits. Its a great option for those of you who want to get active, continue your sports routine during your vacation while discovering new places.
Click here for reservations and more info about running tours in Jerusalem
