Haifa International Marathon Registration Closes With 10,000 Runners
Translated & summarized from N12 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. Mayor Yona Yahav called it a historic moment for the city, highlighting the unique course and the goal of boosting tourism. Cash prizes will be awarded across several race categories.
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 Friday, November 20, 2026.
- The event aims to become an annual tradition for the city of Haifa.
- Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav described the registration numbers as historic.
- Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in the marathon, half-marathon, and 10k races.
Registration for the inaugural Haifa International Marathon has closed, with approximately 10,000 participants signed up for the full marathon scheduled to begin on November 20, 2026. This marks a significant moment 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 success and high demand, the marathon is expected to expand next year to accommodate more participants.
The race will take place on Friday, November 20, 2026, offering a unique running experience between the mountain and the sea. The course will traverse the coastal highway and Haifa Bay, featuring open sea views and the Carmel Mountains as a backdrop, and is designed to be largely fast and flat. In addition to the full marathon, there will be a half-marathon, 10k, 5k, and 2.5k races, as well as a 1k event for children and families, catering to runners of all ages and skill levels.
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav stated, "10,000 registered participants for the first Haifa International Marathon is wonderful news and a historic moment for the city. In ten days, we will host thousands of runners from Israel and abroad for a grand sports celebration that will fill the city with energy, rhythm, and joy. Participants will enjoy a unique running experience between the mountain and the sea, against the backdrop of the city's magnificent landscapes." He added that the marathon is more than just a sporting event; it's an opportunity to showcase Haifa's beauty and unique atmosphere to thousands of visitors, aiming to establish the marathon as an annual tradition that places Haifa on the international running map.
The event will include cash prizes for the winners of the main races. 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. The half-marathon will offer prizes of NIS 3,000, NIS 2,000, and NIS 1,000, and the 10k race will award NIS 1,500, NIS 1,000, and NIS 500. The marathon is set to start at 6:30 AM and officially conclude at 12:30 PM, with the award ceremony for the marathon and half-marathon winners scheduled for 10:00 AM. A special discount will be offered at Fattal hotels in the city for participants staying overnight.
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