The elite runners aren’t the only ones at the New York City Marathon that require protection.
On Nov. 3 both the Israeli and Palestinian flags will have an assigned security detail around the Central Park displays.
“Out of an abundance of caution, [race sponsore the NY Road Runners] has assigned security to watch over both the Israeli and Palestinian flags,” the club told The Post.
“These are the times we’re living in,” said an Upper West Side Jewish social media post. “Thank you for protecting our flag.”
Some 150 runners will be bearing the names of five Israeli hostages who were avid runners, including Tenafly teen Edan Alexander and Naama Levy, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
“We are running for those who can’t,” reads the group’s appeal to bring awareness to the plight of the hostages and to bring them home.
Jake Maslavi, 27, who’s running his first marathon, will be wearing a t-shirt bearing the image of Alexander, who is still captive in Gaza.
“This is super brave of this woman,” the Long Island native said of the image of the female guard. “Some people in this situation wouldn’t do it – it’s a big ask and I’m grateful for it.”
