May 2, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
Tiberias International Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Tiberias International Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 2.6
Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 11 to 18]
|
R. J. from Georgia, USA
(1/5/2007)
 "Memorable run in the Holy Land" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Tiberias International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This is the first marathon that I've run outside the USA, and while it wasn't the best-organized marathon I've run, it was certainly adequate. Online registration for overseas runners was easy, once you found the right page in the English-language section. No expo to speak of, just packet pickup, which was no problem and most importantly, RACE-MORNING PICKUP, without which I would not have entered. Most of the signage and info was in Hebrew, but anything you really needed to know was in English as well. Just one thing - they only provided one safety pin with the number bib. What good is ONE safety pin? Bring your own own pins. Water stations were more than adequate; in fact the 1/2-liter bottles they were handing out were too much and most of the water was tossed out after a few swigs from the bottles. That's better than having too little water! Volunteers were plentiful and enthusiastic and finish line food was plentiful. The course is an out-and-back around the southern end of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). It's almost entirely flat and fast, and there were no problems with vehicles as the road is closed during the race. The only problem this year (2007) was with the ferocious wind that blasted us from the Golan Heights, but of course that is not the fault of the race organizers. Just do not expect any spectators, and distance markers are in kilometers, which we metric-impaired Americans should be able to deal with anyway. And it is entirely below sea level! If you are feeling adventurous, do not hesitate to do this race, the first of the year. | |
|
E. H. from Tacoma, Washington
(2/20/2006)
 "Run it for the Experience" (about: 2000)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Tiberias International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 In the case of running a marathon like this, low expectations may be half the battle. I came to Israel for the experience, and the marathon was just icing on the cake. That being said, I agree with the other comments that the race isn't the best logistically organized. (At least it wasnt when I ran it, and based on recent comments this may not have changed much). However, the marathon does provide a nice finisher's medal, and eventually by prodding and telephone calls, a certificate - one I hold very dear since my name was handwritten on there by someone from the marathon committee whose first language (alphabet) was obviously Hebrew! There is a very nice hometown-style pre-race pasta dinner, where I met different runners from all over the world (imagine, a member of the American military stationed in Greece (myself) flies to Israel for a marathon to meet Canadian soldiers also visiting Israel but from Lebanon).... Definitely multi-cultural. The pasta dinner included entertainment by a band of local high school students. | |
|
Hidilton Ferrer from Tel Aviv, Israel
(1/8/2006)
 "Pleasant marathon in a nice area." (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Very pleasant marathon in a part of the country full of nature and of course the Sea of Galilee. More spectators would have made the course mentally a lot easier. The stretch of course between 30 and 38KM was particularly tough. Anyway, not a bad experience at all. | |
|
J. R. from Westchester County, NY USA
(2/3/2005)
"Race Not to Be Missed" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Tiberias International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 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. | |
|
T. L. from Canada
(1/9/2005)
 "Questionable safety, comfort and organization" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Tiberias International Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 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. | |
|
n. s. from jerusalem
(3/3/2004)
"The lowest place in the world !!!!" (about: 2003)
6-10 previous marathons
| 6+ Tiberias International Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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. | |
|
A Runner from Tacoma, Washington
(9/4/2001)
"A very enjoyable race" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 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. | |
|
A Runner from Jerusalem, Israel
(9/3/2001)
"overall a very good reason to visit Israel" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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. |
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
