(Hai Fa – Haifa and the surrounding area news corporation) – Registration for the first Haifa International Marathon has closed with approximately 10,000 registered participants, an impressive number that positions the city as one of the new and significant running destinations in Israel. Schwang, the Haifa Municipality and the RGE Media Group announced that demand for the event significantly exceeded the allocated quota of participants, and an expansion of the number of places is already planned for future years.
Full marathon of 42.2 km
For the first time in the city's history, a full marathon will be held over a distance of 42.2 kilometers, alongside a half marathon, 10, 5 and 2.5 kilometer races, and a one-kilometer family race. Thousands of runners from Israel and around the world are expected to arrive in Haifa. Friday, November 20, 2026, and participate in a big running celebration for all ages.
Route between the mountain and the sea: fast, flat and spectacular
The marathon will offer a unique running experience between the mountains and the sea, with a route that runs along the coastal road and Haifa Bay, with the Carmel scenery in the background. The route has been designed to be fast and mostly flat, which is likely to attract professional and amateur runners looking for a good result.
The start will take place at 06:30, and the event will officially end at 12:30. The awards ceremony for the winners of the marathon and half marathon will be held at 10:00.
Monetary prizes for the main categories
In the full marathon, prizes will be awarded in the amount of:
- 6,000 NIS to the first place
- 4,000 NIS to the second place
- 2,000 NIS to the third place
In the half marathon: 3,000, 2,000 and 1,000 shekels, and in the 10 km race: 1,500, 1,000 and 500 shekels.
Haifa officially enters the international marathon map
Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, welcomed the tremendous response: “10,000 registrations for the first Haifa International Marathon is great news and a historic moment for the city. In ten days, we will host thousands of runners from Israel and around the world for a sports celebration that will fill the city with energy and joy of life. The marathon is much more than a sporting event, it is an opportunity to reveal to thousands of visitors the beauty of Haifa and everything it has to offer. We want to make the marathon an annual tradition that will place Haifa on the map of international running events.”
Benefits for participants
Participants who choose to stay in Haifa will be offered a special discount at a variety of Fattal chain hotels in the city.
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Due to the lack of sidewalks of appropriate width and continuity, major roads will need to be closed and the entire city will be paralyzed for the marathon.
It's not clear what the big benefit is for Tel Avivians who come to the Carmel Beach in their cars, do a marathon, and drive home.
They don't need to be impressed by the beauty of the Kiryat Eliezer neighborhoods along the Hagana Road. The main roads don't pass through scenic sites or well-maintained areas. In fact, runners will be impressed by a neglected urban center with lots of for-rent signs and buildings that the state has not renovated and maintained.