Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Jerusalem Winner Marathon is a challenging and scenic road race that takes runners through 3,000 years of history, passing iconic landmarks like the Old City walls and the Knesset.
Course Highlights
The Jerusalem Marathon course is widely considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant routes in the world. The race begins at the junction between the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) and the Israel Museum, setting a tone of national importance from the first stride. As runners progress, they are guided through a landscape that blends modern Jerusalem with its ancient roots. Key highlights include a passage through the Armenian Quarter of the Old City, entering through the historic Jaffa Gate and exiting via the Zion Gate. The route also takes participants up to the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Other notable landmarks along the way include the Tower of David, the Sultan’s Pool, and the Armon Hanatziv Promenade, which provides a stunning lookout over the Old City and the Judean Desert. The race concludes at the southern end of the sprawling Sacher Park, where a festive atmosphere awaits the finishers.
Race Details
The 16th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon is scheduled for March 19, 2027. This premier event is organized by the Jerusalem Municipality and attracts approximately 40,000 participants from over 70 countries annually. The flagship full marathon (42.2 km) kicks off at 06:30 AM, with a strictly enforced six-hour time limit to complete the course. In addition to the full distance, the event offers a variety of tracks to accommodate runners of all levels, including a half-marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and 5 km competitive races. For those looking for a less intense experience, there is a 1.7 km Family Race and an 800-meter Community Race dedicated to social organizations and special needs participants. Registration is handled through the official website, with tiered pricing based on registration dates. Participants receive a comprehensive race kit that includes a high-quality technical shirt, a personal timing chip, and a finisher’s medal. The event also features a large-scale EXPO at the Cinema City complex in the days leading up to the race, serving as the central hub for kit distribution and sports-related exhibits.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from across the globe are drawn to Jerusalem not just for the physical challenge, but for the profound emotional and spiritual experience of running through a “living museum.” The course is notoriously hilly and demanding, earning it a reputation as a “tough but rewarding” marathon that tests a runner’s endurance and grit. Beyond the terrain, the atmosphere is electric; the streets are lined with thousands of cheering spectators, musical ensembles, and supportive locals who turn the city into a vibrant celebration. A significant draw is the “Running for a Cause” initiative, where over 30 non-profit organizations partner with the event, allowing thousands of participants to raise funds for various social and medical charities. This philanthropic spirit, combined with the chance to follow in the footsteps of kings and prophets through the gates of the Old City, makes the Jerusalem Marathon an unforgettable bucket-list item for any marathoner. The mix of elite international athletes and local runners—including a significant presence from the IDF and security forces—creates a unique sense of unity and shared purpose that defines the spirit of Jerusalem.
At a Glance
- Location: Jerusalem, Jerusalem — Israel
- Next Date: 2027-03-19
- Distances: 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km, 1.7km, 800m
- Start Time: 06:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://jerusalem-marathon.com/en/
The Jerusalem Winner Marathon is a challenging and scenic road race that takes runners through 3,000 years of history, passing iconic landmarks like the Old City walls and the Knesset.
Course Highlights
The Jerusalem Marathon course is widely considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant routes in the world. The race begins at the junction between the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) and the Israel Museum, setting a tone of national importance from the first stride. As runners progress, they are guided through a landscape that blends modern Jerusalem with its ancient roots. Key highlights include a passage through the Armenian Quarter of the Old City, entering through the historic Jaffa Gate and exiting via the Zion Gate. The route also takes participants up to the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Other notable landmarks along the way include the Tower of David, the Sultan’s Pool, and the Armon Hanatziv Promenade, which provides a stunning lookout over the Old City and the Judean Desert. The race concludes at the southern end of the sprawling Sacher Park, where a festive atmosphere awaits the finishers.
Race Details
The 16th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon is scheduled for March 19, 2027. This premier event is organized by the Jerusalem Municipality and attracts approximately 40,000 participants from over 70 countries annually. The flagship full marathon (42.2 km) kicks off at 06:30 AM, with a strictly enforced six-hour time limit to complete the course. In addition to the full distance, the event offers a variety of tracks to accommodate runners of all levels, including a half-marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and 5 km competitive races. For those looking for a less intense experience, there is a 1.7 km Family Race and an 800-meter Community Race dedicated to social organizations and special needs participants. Registration is handled through the official website, with tiered pricing based on registration dates. Participants receive a comprehensive race kit that includes a high-quality technical shirt, a personal timing chip, and a finisher’s medal. The event also features a large-scale EXPO at the Cinema City complex in the days leading up to the race, serving as the central hub for kit distribution and sports-related exhibits.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from across the globe are drawn to Jerusalem not just for the physical challenge, but for the profound emotional and spiritual experience of running through a “living museum.” The course is notoriously hilly and demanding, earning it a reputation as a “tough but rewarding” marathon that tests a runner’s endurance and grit. Beyond the terrain, the atmosphere is electric; the streets are lined with thousands of cheering spectators, musical ensembles, and supportive locals who turn the city into a vibrant celebration. A significant draw is the “Running for a Cause” initiative, where over 30 non-profit organizations partner with the event, allowing thousands of participants to raise funds for various social and medical charities. This philanthropic spirit, combined with the chance to follow in the footsteps of kings and prophets through the gates of the Old City, makes the Jerusalem Marathon an unforgettable bucket-list item for any marathoner. The mix of elite international athletes and local runners—including a significant presence from the IDF and security forces—creates a unique sense of unity and shared purpose that defines the spirit of Jerusalem.
At a Glance
- Location: Jerusalem, Jerusalem — Israel
- Next Date: 2027-03-19
- Distances: 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km, 1.7km, 800m
- Start Time: 06:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://jerusalem-marathon.com/en/