Ukrainian Refugee Valentyna Veretska wins 11th Jerusalem Marathon despite all odds
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Valentyna Veteska
Amidst the tense conditions of war among Ukraine and Russia, another athletic star has shone against all odds. Valentyna Veretska, who escaped Ukraine with her 11-year-old daughter, won the 11th Jerusalem marathon in an incredible display. Veretska led right from the beginning, and was the only female athlete to finish under the 3 hour mark.
32-year-old Veretska lifted the Ukrainian flag after finishing the marathon in 2:45:54 on a wet course. The course is said to have included a 2000ft ascent along the 26.2-mile route. Veretska recently left Ukraine for Poland, after which she made her way to Isreal to attend the marathon that she received an invitation for.
“I hope for peace in my country very soon,” marathon winner Valentyna Veretska wishes for peace
Reminiscing, Veretska said that when they reached the border it was extremely cold, and that there were over a million people there. She and her daughter spent the night at the border, where it was -5 degrees and people were cold, frightened and freezing.
According to athleticsweekly.com, Veretska said, “I have not trained for almost a month but when I saw the marathon in Jerusalem I thought I need to run. I need to show the world that peace and love is the most important thing. I hope this can show the world that we can participate together not just in running but in life. I hope for peace in my country very soon.”
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Saivee Phatak
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