47th Winner Tiberias Marathon Set to Honor Security Forces and Israeli Families
Event Overview
The 47th Winner Tiberias Marathon, renowned as the oldest and fastest marathon in Israel, is scheduled to take place on January 9, 2026, near the Gai Beach on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This year’s event is especially significant as it marks the first marathon held after the recent conflicts, aiming to support the transition back to normalcy for many individuals, including families of fallen Israeli soldiers and returning IDF fighters.
National Significance
Miki Zoher, Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport, emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “The Tiberias Marathon this year is a token of gratitude and tribute to security forces, the injured, and bereaved families. The Ministry recognizes the national importance of this event and continues to support it yearly as part of our commitment to strengthen sports in Tiberias. I invite the public to participate actively in this special course.”
Marathon Course and Conditions
The marathon will begin at Gai Beach and will traverse the newly inaugurated Kaplan promenade, continuing along the picturesque shores of the Sea of Galilee, reaching the Ein Gev area before returning to the starting point. The course is flat and features minimal turns, making it an ideal setting for record-breaking performances. The current course record stands at 2:07:30, achieved by Patrick Tambwe from France.
The marathon will run from 06:00 to 13:30, with traffic arrangements to be announced by Israeli polstart.
Race Categories
Participants can register for multiple race formats, including a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km), as well as 10 km and 5 km events. Top-quality runners from Israel and around the world are set to participate, contributing to their first rankings for the year 2026. Last year, the marathon was won by Tahlaini Malka from Hapoel Emek Hefer, with a time of 2:19:19, followed closely by Amir Ramon, who claimed the title of Israel’s Marathon Champion for 2025, finishing in 2:27:10. In the women’s category, Biti Deutsch of Maccabi Athletic Negev emerged victorious in a time of 2:55:41.
Community and City Support
Yossi Navoha, Mayor of Tiberias, expressed excitement about hosting this year’s event, stating, “Months after the end of fighting in the north and the conflict overall, the city of Tiberias is thrilled to host the 47th Winner Tiberias Marathon with a variety of quality runners both from Israel and abroad. There is no more beautiful place than Tiberias in the world to hold a marathon, along the national lake, the Sea of Galilee. I invite all runners to register and participate in a marathon that has long been a tradition and the most prestigious course for athletes.”
Corporate Sponsorship
Shabtai Tzur, Chairman of the Toto, proudly announced the organization’s 12th year as a primary sponsor of the Winner Tiberias Marathon. He stated, “Toto is proud to be the main sponsor of the Tiberias Marathon, Israel’s oldest and fastest marathon. I urge the public to come, run, watch, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and this elite race in Israel.”
Meir Bardugo, Toto’s CEO, noted that in 2025, Toto sponsors over 25 sporting events and marathons across local authorities nationwide, demonstrating a commitment to fostering optimism and normalcy through sports and leisure activities.
For more information on accommodations near the event and to plan your stay, consider booking hotels through this link.
Conclusion
The upcoming Winner Tiberias Marathon is poised to be a momentous occasion, honoring those who serve and remembering the sacrifstarts made. With a landscape as idyllic as the Sea of Galilee, the event promises to inspire athletes and spectators alike.