First, the negatives: terrible signage at the end of the race letting you know where the finish line is--after 42+ kilometers, the last thing you need is to frantically look for the finish line. Absence of any toilet facilities that I could see (other than woods). Lack of manpower and traffic control (including the police car that came onto the shoulder and forced me to climb over a barrier to continue) for those finishing in the 5-hour range. Now the positives: running with fellow Jews, looking around and seeing virtually only Jewish athletes, and very serious ones. Looking around at Kinneret for much of the race. Hearing Hebrew words of encouragement from those few spectators, yelling out 'Kol Hakavod'; and recognizing that I was from the U.S., gratification that I came over just to run in an Israeli marathon.

If you're a Diaspora runner, you MUST come and race here. No other race, including NYC, matches the 'Jewish' running experience.

P.S. And those big cows grazing on the mountain next to the marathon course--they could be found on that same Rt. 90 the next night.

Washroom facilities were inadequate. Water was not available for all runners. Traffic was not controlled which resulted in runners mixing with the traffic. First-aid or medical support was not evident.

In this marathon you have the best air consumption in the world. It's all flat, and the view is spectacular - being close to the Sea of Galily. It's also the first marathon in the year.

This is a good opportunity to mix 'business with pleasure,' or so to speak. That is to say, most people come to Israel to see the holy sites. If you run this marathon you are basically following the foot-steps of Jesus around the historical sea of Galilee. On the course you can see the infamous Golan Heights. You will also see banana trees, and other species of fruit life reminding you that you are in the promised land.
It is the lowest marathon in the world averaging several hundred feet below sea level. It's an out and back course starting and finishing in the small city of Tiberias, with a small loop in the city of Tiberias at the end, just enough to get a few spectators involved.
There (was) an excellent pre-race dinner in 2001, the local school band entertaining with brass insturments and the race director and organizers gave speeches about the idea of the marathon promoting world peace. Plenty of pasta, bread, salad, etc.
The Marathon's start location is central to the 'Church of the Multiplication of the loaves and fishes,' and, according to biblical tradition, the hill where Jesus preached the sermon on the mount.

This is the only full marathon which is regullarly run in Israel, with about 300 participants. The course is very scenic along the south shore of the lake of Galilee, the weather is usually pleasant, and the organization is adequate.Unfortunately, along most of the course there are very few spectators. At the end of the race, one can enjoy a refreshing soak at the nearby natural hot springs.