Feel the spirit

The Tiberias Marathon has been held every year since 1977 and serves as the official Israeli marathon championship, with the flattest and fastest course in Israel. Over the years many runners from Israel and from all over the world have run their best times in the Tiberias Marathon.

This unique marathon draws local and international runners of all levels. The highlight is the marathon, alongside the Sea of Galilee, on a flat course with almost no curves and ideal Israeli-winter weather of 13°C and usually rain-free. The event also offers a Half Marathon, 10km and 5km courses. The number of participants across all distances is increasing each year and is expected to reach 10,000 runners from 20 different countries.

Tiberias is the only city on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (‘Kinneret’ in Hebrew), a deep blue lake situated in the Jordan Valley and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The city was founded in 20 AD by Herod Antipas and was named after the Roman emperor Tiberius. It is today an important tourist centre and has religious sanctity for both Judaism and Christianity. With its combination of ancient and modern landscapes, you can see all aspects of the Israeli population, taste worldly flavours and feel the historic spirit of the city.

Runners coming from abroad should reserve accommodation on the selected dates so that they can enjoy a weekend in the northern part of Israel and experience the spirit of the city, water recreations and historic sites.

When runners arrive in Tiberias they find that the whole city is dressed up in a special marathon-holiday costume, just for the event. Runners are invited to attend the race EXPO where they can find booths from leading worldwide sports brands and pick up race kit that includes the official running shirt, a running bib and many perks and benefits from the sponsors of the event.

On race day all courses start from the centre of Tiberias and follow beautiful courses along the Sea of Galilee. Pacers from leading Israeli running clubs are placed in the starting waves. The marathon is professionally organised, adheres to strict guidelines and is broadcast in local and global media. At the finish line runners receive a finisher’s medal and can enjoy a variety of refreshments and snacks.

The marathon might be the highlight but after finishing it you have the whole weekend to enjoy the amazing city of Tiberias.