Jerusalem March 17th, 2016 – The Jerusalem Marathon is thought to be the most difficult marathon in Israel, and one of the more difficult ones in the world due to the mountainous terrain in the city. The course winds and weaves through the city passing some of the most notable attractions in the city and is officially approved by the Association of International Marathons. The 6 year old marathon has gained quite a bit of notoriety having had more than 25,000 runners from 54 countries participate in the race last year.

United Hatzalah will continue its tradition of participating in the city-wide event in a unique way. Following last years team of runners which included EMS volunteer David Krispel who was called to assist and provide first aid to a fellow runner who fainted during the race, United Hatzalah will see, for the first time, a pair of runners participate who have shared a very interesting history together.

The runners, Noam Barzani and Aryeh Amit, met three years ago when Barzani was involved in a car accident while riding on his electric bicycle in Bat Yam. Amit, a United Hatzalah volunteer EMT arrived on his ambucycle (motorcycle that is equipped with all of the medical gear of an ambulance) and began to provide first-aid treatment to Barzani who was suffering from a serious head injury and saved Barzani’s life. Amit, who is the head of the coastal plain chapter of United Hatzalah, followed up with Barzani during his rehabilitation over the next few years in the hospital and afterwards.

On Friday, during the Jerusalem Marathon, the pair are planning to run the ten kilometer stint together in order to celebrate the anniversary of Amit saving Barzani’s life. The two friends are looking to create a tradition of running in the marathon together in order to celebrate life.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT’s, paramedics and Doctors respond to more than 700 calls per day, and are preparing to help out in any way that they are needed during the marathon that will take place in Jerusalem on Friday.