Jerusalem Marathon – All you need to know

A chance for runners and culture lovers to come together

In 2025 we’re organising a group trip to take part in the Jerusalem Marathon and Half Marathon.

Here’s some useful information about the event:

    • It’s one of Israel’s largest marathons,

    • Around 30,000 people take part

    • Around 10% are runners from abroad

 

As you run this route you’ll pass a fantastic array of historical sites that highlight 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.

The International Jerusalem Winner Marathon is a joyous combination of fantastic landscapes, culture and heritage – as well as physical endurance! It started in 2011 and offers the chance to take in sights such as the Israeli Knesset (the starting point), Machane Yehuda marketplace, Mount Scopus, the Old City, David’s Tower, Haas Promenade and more. 

It is guaranteed to be a challenging, thrilling and unforgettable experience for all runners.

The route

You’ll begin at Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, in the western part of the city, followed by a loop around the Giv’at Ram campus of the Hebrew University.

From there you’ll pass alongside the valley of the cross, and cross through various neighbourhoods on their way up to Hebrew University’s Mount Scopus campus in eastern Jerusalem.

Runners will then drop down to the Old City, as they pass through Jaffa Gate and the Armenian Quarter and out Zion Gate, on their way to the Jerusalem Forest.

Prepare yourself for the hilly terrain of the race’s finishing point – Sacher Park – hills make up 90% of the course! Expect long climbs and breath-taking views!

This is a safe event with security taken seriously. The entire city shuts down from 5am on the Friday race day, until after midday.

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