Ethiopian runner wins Jerusalem Marathon

A panel of judges awarded the title to Aynaw, a 21-year-old model who came to Israel about a decade ago, at the International Convention Center Haifa on Wednesday.

“It’s important that a member of the Ethiopian community wins the competition for the first time,” she was quoted by Israeli media as telling the judges in response to a question. “There are many different communities of many different colors in Israel, and it’s important to show that to the world.”

Aynaw came to Israel with her family when she was 12. Acclimating to Israel was difficult at first, Aynaw said, but she picked up the language quickly with the help of a friend.

She has been working as a saleswoman at a clothing store since her army discharge.

During the competition, Aynaw cited the slain American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. as one of her heroes.

“He fought for justice and equality, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here: I want to show that my community has many pretty qualities that aren’t always represented in the media,” she said.

She said Dr King fought for justice and equality, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here – to show that there are also good things in my community, which are not presented in the media.

“I see it as a mission to represent Israel’s different colors. There are not enough dark-skinned models in Israel.

“I hope to become a successful model thanks to the contest and create a change in the perception of dark-skinned models. I would be happy to be the first Ethiopian television host, an Israeli Tyra Banks.”

Ethiopian runner wins Jerusalem Marathon

JERUSALEM (AP) — Abraham Kabeto Ketla of Ethiopia has won the third Jerusalem marathon, setting a record for the race. About 20,000 runners took part despite protests by Palestinians.

Ketla finished in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds Friday, beating the record by three minutes.

Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo of Kenya was second at 2:19:02. Vincent Kiplagat Kiptoo of Kenya finished third.

Mihiret Anamo Anotonios of Ethiopia set a record in the women’s race with 2:47:26. Radiya Mohammed Roba of Ethiopia was second with 3:05:58.

Palestinians called for a boycott of the marathon because it passed through east Jerusalem, which they claim for a future capital. Palestinians held a small protest without disrupting the race, police said.

Israel captured east Jerusalem in the 1967 war. It claims the whole city as its capital.