Haifa will stage its first-ever international city marathon on Friday, November 20, 2026, with registration now open. The event, produced by Shevung of the RGE media group in cooperation with the Haifa municipality, is expected to draw thousands of runners from Israel and abroad and become one of the city’s biggest sporting events.
The race will start at Dado Beach, run along the coastal road between the sea and Mount Carmel, pass the Bahai Gardens and finish back at Dado Beach. Organizers have set up multiple distances for all ages and abilities: a full marathon of 42.2 kilometers, a half marathon of 21.1 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 5 kilometers, 2.5 kilometers, and a one-kilometer run for children and families.
The marathon will be broadcast live on the Sports Channel. At the Dado Beach event village, participants and their families will also find musical performances, a DJ, food and drink stalls, and booths selling sports equipment and accessories.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav said the city is not only launching a marathon but also creating a new tradition. “This is a special moment for Haifa, for Israel’s sports community and for everyone who believes in a city’s power to dream big and achieve,” he said. Yahav added that the city wants to turn the race into an annual event that will attract participants, families and visitors from Israel and around the world, and strengthen Haifa’s standing in sport, health, tourism and quality of life.
