Haifa will stage its first international city marathon on Friday, November 20, 2026, with registration now open. The event is being produced by Shvoong, part of the RGE media group, together with the Haifa Municipality, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of runners from Israel and abroad.
The race will start at Dado Beach and follow scenic routes along the coastal road between the sea and Mount Carmel, pass the Baha'i Gardens, and finish back at Dado Beach. Organizers have set up a range of distances for all ages and abilities, including a full marathon of 42.2 kilometers, a half marathon of 21.1 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, 2.5 kilometers, and a 1-kilometer run for children and families.
The marathon will be broadcast live on Sport 5 and is being presented as a major milestone for the city, with the potential to become one of Haifa's largest sporting events. At the Dado Beach event area, participants and their families will also find live music, a DJ, food and drink stands, and booths selling sports equipment and accessories.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav said the race will put Haifa among the world's leading marathon cities and create a new tradition. He added,
