Haifa International Marathon Registration Closes With 10,000 Runners
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Registration for the first Haifa International Marathon closed with approximately 10,000 participants for the full marathon on November 20, 2026. The event, aiming to become an annual tradition, will feature a full marathon, half-marathon, and shorter races for all ages. Mayor Yona Yahav hailed the high registration numbers as a historic moment for the city, which will host runners from Israel and abroad. Prize money will be awarded in the main races, and special hotel discounts are available for participants.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Approximately 10,000 runners registered for the inaugural Haifa International Marathon.
- The marathon is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2026, aiming to become an annual tradition.
- Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav called the high registration numbers a historic moment for the city.
- The event includes a full marathon, half-marathon, and shorter races for various age groups.
- Prize money will be awarded to top finishers in the main marathon and half-marathon races.
Registration has closed for the inaugural Haifa International Marathon, with approximately 10,000 participants signing up for the full marathon scheduled to begin on November 20, 2026. This marks a significant event for the city and Israel's running community, as Haifa will host its first full marathon as part of an international sports event intended to become an annual tradition.
The demand for the marathon significantly exceeded the allocated spots. Due to the high interest and success, the marathon is expected to expand next year to accommodate more participants. The event will offer a unique running experience between the mountain and the sea, with a route along the coastal highway and Haifa Bay, featuring views of the sea and the Carmel mountains. The course is designed to be mostly fast and flat.
In addition to the full marathon, the event will include a half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and 2.5k races, as well as a 1k race for children and families, catering to all ages and skill levels. The full marathon will award NIS 6,000 for first place, NIS 4,000 for second, and NIS 2,000 for third, for both men and women. Prizes will also be awarded for the half-marathon and 10k races.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav called the 10,000 registrations a "wonderful piece of news and a historic moment for the city." He anticipates thousands of runners from Israel and abroad will fill the city with "energy, rhythm, and joy of life" during the sports celebration. Yahav expressed his desire to establish the marathon as an annual tradition that will place Haifa on the international running map, highlighting it as an opportunity to showcase the city's beauty and unique atmosphere to thousands of visitors.
The full marathon is set to start at 6:30 AM and officially conclude at 12:30 PM, with an awards ceremony for the marathon and half-marathon winners scheduled for 10:00 AM. Participating runners who choose to stay in Haifa will receive special discounts at various Fattal Hotel branches in the city.
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