The Nablus Marathon is a unique and politically charged athletic event that takes place within the confines of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Its route is specifically designed to run between two Israeli military checkpoints, one to the east and one to the west of the city. This course highlights the limitations on Palestinian freedom of movement, as a full 42.195-kilometer marathon distance cannot be run in a straight line without encountering these barriers. Consequently, participants often have to run multiple laps of a shorter course to complete the full distance, a powerful visual and physical metaphor for the daily reality of life under occupation.

The marathon serves as more than just a sporting competition; it is a form of peaceful protest and a statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The event draws both local and international runners, all of whom are made aware of the political context and the challenges faced by the local population. By running the course, participants not only engage in a physical challenge but also directly confront the physical and political boundaries that fragment the Palestinian territories. The act of running “in between checkpoints” becomes an act of defiance, calling attention to the restrictions on mobility and the broader struggle for a free and independent Palestine.