The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) has removed the Bible Marathon from its list of marathons, Haaretz reported.
The Bible Marathon, which is scheduled to take place October 6, begins at Rosh Ha’ayin in central Israel and ends at Tel Shiloh, an ancient Biblical archaeological site in southern Samaria. The route is 42.2-kilometers (26.1-miles) long, and is based on descriptions of battles in the book of Judges, according to organizers.
AIMS had featured the Bible Marathon on its website, and even provided a link to the Bible Marathon's home page. However, all references to the Bible Marathon were removed from the AIMS website this week.
About a week ago, amateur athlete Ilan Zisser wrote to AIMS secretary Hugh Jones and pointed out that the organization's list includes a marathon part of which runs through 'settlements.' Jones responded by saying that AIMS' leaders were unaware that the route crossed over the so-called 'green line' and promised that the organization would discuss the matter.
Open further review, AIMS decided to remove the Bible Marathon from its calendar.
The move will have no practical effect on the Bible Marathon, which will take place as scheduled. However, membership in AIMS grants international recognition to marathons.