The Jerusalem Marathon set off on Friday morning, causing massive road closures as 30,000 participants took part in full and half marathons.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said before the race began that "over 6,000 runners are running to raise money for all sorts of social NGOs. That more than all of the sport, health and competition is a great mark of honor for the city of Jerusalem."
"The thousands of runners are giving a message - the terror will not defeat us," he added.
Barkat also noted that the municipality initiated a special 800-meter course for children with special needs, saying, "I'm moved seeing this group together with their families."
His comment comes following great upset on the part of parents of special needs children in the capital, who had transportation for their children canceled due to the marathon.