2013 Gaza Marathon Canceled After Hamas Bans Women

The World

Life in the Palestinian territory of Gaza is far from normal.

It's overcrowded, lacking in basic infrastructure, and overflowing with weapons…which makes it all the more remarkable that the UN organizes a marathon there.

As one official put it, "the race shows that Gaza could be a normal place if it got the chance."

Well, it won't get the chance this year. The UN has just canceled the race.

But let's put your geographical knowledge of Gaza to the test.

The Gaza Strip is about 26 miles long, perfect for marathons. The course for the Gaza Marathon runs the full length of the coastal territory.

Can you name the cities that would have been the starting point and finish line?

That's the Geo Quiz. Run with it.

UN organizers have pulled the plug on the marathon because Gaza's Hamas authorities banned women from taking part. The announcement is here.

Swedish marathoner Naiti Del Sante was one of the foreign competitors who completed in the 2012 Gaza Marathon. She says the starting point of the race is the refugee camp near the Israeli border called Beit Hanoun, and the finish line is near the Egyptian border in the city of Rafah.

Del Sante says the decision to cancel the marathon is ridiculous, it's left her feeling sad and angry.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!