Tiberias Marathon to Host Israel Championship Amid Northern Resilience Efforts

The 48th WINNER Tiberias International Marathon, which includes the Israeli Marathon Championship, is scheduled for January 8, 2027, along the Sea of Galilee. This event will be the first professional marathon globally for 2027 and is expected to draw thousands of runners from Israel and abroad. The marathon has been a prominent fixture in Israel for nearly five decades.

The event will feature four race categories: a full marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), a 10 km race, and a 5 km race. All four will commence from the Giy Beach area. The full and half marathons will start at 7:00 AM. The full marathon route will traverse the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, passing through Kibbutz Kinneret, Degania, and the Tzemach Junction, continuing along the southern and eastern shores towards Ein Gev, before returning along the same path to the finish line at the Giy Beach Hotel.

The full marathon will also serve as the Israeli Championship, crowning the nation's male and female champions for 2027. The Tiberias course is recognized as one of the fastest internationally, offering participants opportunities for personal bests and national records. The marathon's timing comes after a period of significant challenges in northern Israel, heightening the importance of revitalizing the region for residents, visitors, and tourists.

Tiberias Mayor Yossi Ben-Naeh stated that the 48th Tiberias Marathon symbolizes the strength, resilience, and revival of Tiberias and the entire north following three years of conflict. He emphasized that hosting the opening marathon of the year, especially in Tiberias, sends a clear message about the strong return of life, sports, and tourism to the north. Ben-Naeh invited everyone to experience the city's breathtaking scenery and unique energy, participating in an event that celebrates sport, culture, and community.