Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon
Tiberias, Israel · Sunday 4 October 2026
The Sea of Galilee Marathon takes place in Tiberias, a historic city on the shores of Israel's largest freshwater lake. The setting is one of the most geographically distinctive in the running world, with the race unfolding along and around the sea itself, which sits well below sea level at around 207 meters below sea level. The landscape combines ancient history with natural beauty, offering runners views across the water and the surrounding hills of the Galilee region. The lake has shaped this area for millennia, and hosting a marathon here means running through terrain that feels removed from typical race environments. The course is a trail marathon that stays refreshingly flat to gently rolling throughout its 42.2 kilometers, with minimal elevation change that makes it more forgiving than hillier alternatives. Runners should expect a mix of trail surfaces rather than road running, which means the footing will be variable and slightly more technical than a standard marathon. The low elevation and the proximity to the water create unique conditions, including potentially intense heat depending on the October weather. The relatively modest elevation profile and trail setting combine to create a race that rewards steady pacing and foot awareness rather than raw speed, making it an interesting choice for runners seeking something different from conventional marathons.
Difficulty Calculator
h
:m
:s
Adjusted Time
4:31:29
Time difference: +31.5 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain46m
Elevation High-197m
Elevation Low-207m
Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon is a full marathon held in Tiberias, Israel, scheduled for Sunday 4 October 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 46m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of -197m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
This is a very flat course with only 46m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from -207m to -197m above sea level — a 10m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Surface Type: Trail
Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
How Difficult Is Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon?
Our difficulty rating for Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.