Marathon Details - Tiberias International Marathon

International Marathons > Israel > Tiberias > Tiberias International Marathon

Tiberias International Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Tiberias, Israel

January 3, 2025

http://www.tiberiasmarathon.com/en

More Info:	News
Results:	Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:
Address:	The Israeli Athletic Association Tiberias Marathon 10 Shitrit St. P.O. Box 24190 Tel-Aviv, 61241 Israel
Phone Number:	972-3-6486256
Fax Number:	972-3-6486255
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 2.6

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Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Neil Gillman from Israel (1/7/2024) "Flat and boring" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Tiberias International Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The Tiberias marathon is a fairly flat course with only one major turn which is great for running a PB. I've run this one three times and keep getting faster but am not planning to go back because it's really boring. Once you've got over the novelty of having Lake Tiberias to your left as you go (for the first half of the race) it's really pretty boring with not much of a crowd other than at a few points along the way. When you hit half way you'll u-turn so that the water is to your right. Run with a group or at least a friend. The most recent version of this saw a very limited expo, the start line moved to a far less convenient location and a disappointing reception area for finishers.
N. N. from Stockholm, Sweden (1/9/2018) "A great race for a PR" (about: 2018) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a great race for a PR. The course is mostly flat and has no turns (it is an out and back course), and in 2018 we had perfect weather and no wind which helped. The organization I thought was ok, all depends in your reference point (and mine is Stockholm marathon which is impeccable). Along the course was water (in bottles - convenient), gels and dates. We were running with the half-marathoners and 10K runners and it was never a problem. The finishers area was great with music and lots of treats for the finishers including soup and fruit. It was nice to hang out there. The scenery is beautiful with the Sea of Galilee in the background. Recommended!
D. B. from Israel (1/8/2017) "Very Well Done!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Tiberias International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a very well organized run, with notable improvements over years past. Starting with logistics: packet pick-up during the week before in Tel Aviv, then in Tiberias the day before the race and on race day. Large parking lot at the finish line, with a hotel that opens its Beit Knesset to runners. Runners can daven and put their tallit and tfillen back in their cars. No traffic issues arriving. (Departure was slower because of regular Tiberias traffic as well as marathon traffic. Still should not be a problem to get home well before Shabbat, but plan for an extra 15-20 minutes to leave Tiberias.) The race itself was very well organized, with friendly runners. Course has lots of moderate to medium uphills and downhills. And some of the biggest uphills are in the 22-25 mile range. A good, challenging course. But take it from an ex-Chicagoan, this is not a flat course. Course is in the open, so no shade (which made for a hot race when in 2010) and a VERY windy race this time. Oh well, 'Adjust your pace for the conditions' is always good advice. Refreshment stations were very well staffed, and provided water bottles and gels, but no sports drinks. Bananas and orange slices around 22 miles. Very little crowd support along the way (I do not care about that) but lots of support in the last half mile. Finishers' area is first-rate. An assortment of replenishments, including a milk-shakey sort of beverage, bananas and other fruit, pasta, soup, and, of course, water. Chairs of several hights, massage tables, and lots of space to stretch out. They obviously care about their runners. (Green Bay Marathon, are you listening?) I highly recommend this marathon.
B. B. from US (1/17/2013) "Excellent" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I had planned my first trip to Israel, looked on the MG calendar and was delighted to see that this marathon was the last day of my trip. I'm extremely glad I ran it last week and would recommend it to any one for a lot of reasons. It's a great course - mostly flat with a few rollers, and downtown to the finish, this year with a nice tailwind (and a 15 mph or so headwind from the half turnaround for 4 or so miles. It's in January when there are few races. It's in a beautiful part of an amazing country. It's well supported (with the possible exception of very little Gatorade, and what was served was terrible, and big bottles of water).It's the right size. It has a broad range of hotels within several blocks of start/finish - we stayed at the Scots Hotel, which was great. It will probably have good weather. It's a PR course with the fastest group of elites I'd ever seen in a small race. Really, it's one of the best marathons I've ever been lucky enough to run (out of 40).
T. M. from Atlanta, GA (1/25/2011) "Nice People and OK course." (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I enjoyed the race but there are huge differences between races in the United States and this race. They hand out bottles of water. That is good and bad. The bottle caps are on the course on the way back. People ride their bikes next to a runner on the course on the way back to Tiberius. It was an out-and-back course. I found that unnerving and unsafe. Gatorade is not served (like in the US) at all aid stations. I probably would not recommend traveling for this race as I did, but if you are already in Israel, it would be worthwhile to run.
J. B. from Rehovot (1/7/2010) "This is a great, fast race - well worth the trip" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a wonderful marathon. I've run 6 or 7 (mostly in the USA), and this is hands down my favorite. It's supremely well organized. The 2010 race had unexpectedly high temperatures (27 C or 80 F), and they responded nicely with extra water and sponges. On top of that, they had record participation this year, and it's expected to grow next year. The course itself has optimal conditions - mostly flat with a good road surface and little sloping. The only drawback is that the spectators tend to gather at the start and finish (which coincide), so you're mostly alone for three hours (two if you're Kenyan). On the other hand, those who do come to cheer are wildly supportive, and you get to slap hands with hundreds of school kids who line the route. Finally, the best part are the free massage tables, which have two or three staff per runner for up to 10 minutes, both before and after the race. This alone is worth the cost of entry. Be warned, though, that the registration fee ($70 this year for early) is slightly higher after the currency is converted ($80). All in all, Tiberias is a great place to visit, and this is well worth the trek.
Ari Levine from New York (2/9/2009) "Loved the race; hope to run it again" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Although this was my first marathon, I've run four previous half-marathons (including New York City) and a handful of 10Ks, so I can give a fair assessment of this race. The course is an out-and-back starting in Tiberias, reaching Kibutz ein gev about halfway around the Kineret. Because the route runs along the water, it can get a bit windy at times. However, if you choose to run with the pacers, there are enough people to draft off of that the wind that it shouldn't be much of an issue. The course is very flat except for a few small rolling hills towards the end. I personally found this race to be very meaningful as a Jewish Zionist competing in an international marathon in the holy land. However, it would have been nice to see a few more people along the course. Only once did a large group of people - local school children - appear along the course. I personally don't need motivation from others, but if you do, then this race may not be for you. The crowd at the finish line was large and it was nice to hear your name being called over the PA system as you crossed the finish line. Photographs of finishers were great. T-shirts were very nice, sponsored by New Balance. I would definetly recommend this race to anyone.
yehuda kushnir from rosh ha'ayin, israel (1/24/2009) "Very good and flat race; perfect organization!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very good and flat race; perfect organization!
C. B. from Cold Weather, NY ! (2/9/2007) "Great experience/wonderful first marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have been to Israel many times and had to be over there again on business this year. When I saw the marathon was at the same time, I jumped on the chance to run it as my first. Since it was my first marathon, I do not have much for a point of reference. In response to one of the other comments, though, they had a huge surplus of pins for the bibs the night before. People must have used them - sorry! Anyway, the scenery was beautiful, there were some spectators - it was nice to see the schoolchildren line the gate to cheer for us. The water stations were manned by very nice people. The gusts of wind were unexpected, but again, that has nothing to do with the organizers. It was a gorgeous day, great route, nice crowd, nice medal - all around a wonderful experience! I will be doing it again! The dinner the night before could have been a little more organized and the organizers could have arranged for some more parking, but other than that - GREAT!
a. k. from So. Cal., USA (1/13/2007) "Great Little Marathon" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I traveled from the U.S. to run this marathon. I came away pleasantly surprised. The course is beautiful - an out-and-back course that starts in Tiberias, and runs along the southern portion of the Sea of Galilee, before turning around near Ein Gev. The course is mostly rural/country (so there is not much crowd support) and is very scenic. Approx. 750 runners finished the marathon. (There was also a 10K, but it started separately at a later time.) There were fewer water stations than one normally finds in U.S. marathons (probably about 8 total), but they were more than adequate. (They gave out water bottles at the stations.) The race started on time. (However, I would recommend an earlier starting time. 9:00 is late. It wasn't a problem this year because the weather was almost perfect - except for some pretty strong winds during the middle part of the race - but it would be a problem on a hot day.) They used chip timing, but I found it odd that there was no mat at the starting line and all runners' times began when the gun went off. Contrary to another poster, I received four safety pins for my bib and more were available if necessary. All in all, this is a very nice marathon, which I highly recommend to anyone except those looking for a big, corporate, urban marathon.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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Neil Gillman from Israel (1/7/2024) "Flat and boring" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Tiberias International Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The Tiberias marathon is a fairly flat course with only one major turn which is great for running a PB. I've run this one three times and keep getting faster but am not planning to go back because it's really boring. Once you've got over the novelty of having Lake Tiberias to your left as you go (for the first half of the race) it's really pretty boring with not much of a crowd other than at a few points along the way. When you hit half way you'll u-turn so that the water is to your right. Run with a group or at least a friend. The most recent version of this saw a very limited expo, the start line moved to a far less convenient location and a disappointing reception area for finishers.
N. N. from Stockholm, Sweden (1/9/2018) "A great race for a PR" (about: 2018) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a great race for a PR. The course is mostly flat and has no turns (it is an out and back course), and in 2018 we had perfect weather and no wind which helped. The organization I thought was ok, all depends in your reference point (and mine is Stockholm marathon which is impeccable). Along the course was water (in bottles - convenient), gels and dates. We were running with the half-marathoners and 10K runners and it was never a problem. The finishers area was great with music and lots of treats for the finishers including soup and fruit. It was nice to hang out there. The scenery is beautiful with the Sea of Galilee in the background. Recommended!
D. B. from Israel (1/8/2017) "Very Well Done!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Tiberias International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a very well organized run, with notable improvements over years past. Starting with logistics: packet pick-up during the week before in Tel Aviv, then in Tiberias the day before the race and on race day. Large parking lot at the finish line, with a hotel that opens its Beit Knesset to runners. Runners can daven and put their tallit and tfillen back in their cars. No traffic issues arriving. (Departure was slower because of regular Tiberias traffic as well as marathon traffic. Still should not be a problem to get home well before Shabbat, but plan for an extra 15-20 minutes to leave Tiberias.) The race itself was very well organized, with friendly runners. Course has lots of moderate to medium uphills and downhills. And some of the biggest uphills are in the 22-25 mile range. A good, challenging course. But take it from an ex-Chicagoan, this is not a flat course. Course is in the open, so no shade (which made for a hot race when in 2010) and a VERY windy race this time. Oh well, 'Adjust your pace for the conditions' is always good advice. Refreshment stations were very well staffed, and provided water bottles and gels, but no sports drinks. Bananas and orange slices around 22 miles. Very little crowd support along the way (I do not care about that) but lots of support in the last half mile. Finishers' area is first-rate. An assortment of replenishments, including a milk-shakey sort of beverage, bananas and other fruit, pasta, soup, and, of course, water. Chairs of several hights, massage tables, and lots of space to stretch out. They obviously care about their runners. (Green Bay Marathon, are you listening?) I highly recommend this marathon.
B. B. from US (1/17/2013) "Excellent" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I had planned my first trip to Israel, looked on the MG calendar and was delighted to see that this marathon was the last day of my trip. I'm extremely glad I ran it last week and would recommend it to any one for a lot of reasons. It's a great course - mostly flat with a few rollers, and downtown to the finish, this year with a nice tailwind (and a 15 mph or so headwind from the half turnaround for 4 or so miles. It's in January when there are few races. It's in a beautiful part of an amazing country. It's well supported (with the possible exception of very little Gatorade, and what was served was terrible, and big bottles of water).It's the right size. It has a broad range of hotels within several blocks of start/finish - we stayed at the Scots Hotel, which was great. It will probably have good weather. It's a PR course with the fastest group of elites I'd ever seen in a small race. Really, it's one of the best marathons I've ever been lucky enough to run (out of 40).
T. M. from Atlanta, GA (1/25/2011) "Nice People and OK course." (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I enjoyed the race but there are huge differences between races in the United States and this race. They hand out bottles of water. That is good and bad. The bottle caps are on the course on the way back. People ride their bikes next to a runner on the course on the way back to Tiberius. It was an out-and-back course. I found that unnerving and unsafe. Gatorade is not served (like in the US) at all aid stations. I probably would not recommend traveling for this race as I did, but if you are already in Israel, it would be worthwhile to run.
J. B. from Rehovot (1/7/2010) "This is a great, fast race - well worth the trip" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a wonderful marathon. I've run 6 or 7 (mostly in the USA), and this is hands down my favorite. It's supremely well organized. The 2010 race had unexpectedly high temperatures (27 C or 80 F), and they responded nicely with extra water and sponges. On top of that, they had record participation this year, and it's expected to grow next year. The course itself has optimal conditions - mostly flat with a good road surface and little sloping. The only drawback is that the spectators tend to gather at the start and finish (which coincide), so you're mostly alone for three hours (two if you're Kenyan). On the other hand, those who do come to cheer are wildly supportive, and you get to slap hands with hundreds of school kids who line the route. Finally, the best part are the free massage tables, which have two or three staff per runner for up to 10 minutes, both before and after the race. This alone is worth the cost of entry. Be warned, though, that the registration fee ($70 this year for early) is slightly higher after the currency is converted ($80). All in all, Tiberias is a great place to visit, and this is well worth the trek.
Ari Levine from New York (2/9/2009) "Loved the race; hope to run it again" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Although this was my first marathon, I've run four previous half-marathons (including New York City) and a handful of 10Ks, so I can give a fair assessment of this race. The course is an out-and-back starting in Tiberias, reaching Kibutz ein gev about halfway around the Kineret. Because the route runs along the water, it can get a bit windy at times. However, if you choose to run with the pacers, there are enough people to draft off of that the wind that it shouldn't be much of an issue. The course is very flat except for a few small rolling hills towards the end. I personally found this race to be very meaningful as a Jewish Zionist competing in an international marathon in the holy land. However, it would have been nice to see a few more people along the course. Only once did a large group of people - local school children - appear along the course. I personally don't need motivation from others, but if you do, then this race may not be for you. The crowd at the finish line was large and it was nice to hear your name being called over the PA system as you crossed the finish line. Photographs of finishers were great. T-shirts were very nice, sponsored by New Balance. I would definetly recommend this race to anyone.
yehuda kushnir from rosh ha'ayin, israel (1/24/2009) "Very good and flat race; perfect organization!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very good and flat race; perfect organization!
C. B. from Cold Weather, NY ! (2/9/2007) "Great experience/wonderful first marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have been to Israel many times and had to be over there again on business this year. When I saw the marathon was at the same time, I jumped on the chance to run it as my first. Since it was my first marathon, I do not have much for a point of reference. In response to one of the other comments, though, they had a huge surplus of pins for the bibs the night before. People must have used them - sorry! Anyway, the scenery was beautiful, there were some spectators - it was nice to see the schoolchildren line the gate to cheer for us. The water stations were manned by very nice people. The gusts of wind were unexpected, but again, that has nothing to do with the organizers. It was a gorgeous day, great route, nice crowd, nice medal - all around a wonderful experience! I will be doing it again! The dinner the night before could have been a little more organized and the organizers could have arranged for some more parking, but other than that - GREAT!
a. k. from So. Cal., USA (1/13/2007) "Great Little Marathon" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Tiberias International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I traveled from the U.S. to run this marathon. I came away pleasantly surprised. The course is beautiful - an out-and-back course that starts in Tiberias, and runs along the southern portion of the Sea of Galilee, before turning around near Ein Gev. The course is mostly rural/country (so there is not much crowd support) and is very scenic. Approx. 750 runners finished the marathon. (There was also a 10K, but it started separately at a later time.) There were fewer water stations than one normally finds in U.S. marathons (probably about 8 total), but they were more than adequate. (They gave out water bottles at the stations.) The race started on time. (However, I would recommend an earlier starting time. 9:00 is late. It wasn't a problem this year because the weather was almost perfect - except for some pretty strong winds during the middle part of the race - but it would be a problem on a hot day.) They used chip timing, but I found it odd that there was no mat at the starting line and all runners' times began when the gun went off. Contrary to another poster, I received four safety pins for my bib and more were available if necessary. All in all, this is a very nice marathon, which I highly recommend to anyone except those looking for a big, corporate, urban marathon.

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Marathon Details - Tiberias International Marathon