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
3:54:55
Time difference: -5.1 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain46m
Elevation High-197m
Elevation Low-207m
How hard is Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon?
Moderateharder than 19% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon plays about even with an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #934 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #4 of 4 in Israel. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:55:26 | −04:34 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:25:12 | −04:48 |
| 4:00:00 | 3:54:55 | −05:05 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:24:36 | −05:24 |
| 5:00:00 | 4:54:13 | −05:47 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:23:48 | −06:12 |
| 6:00:00 | 5:53:20 | −06:40 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon is a full marathon held in Tiberias, Israel. It is scheduled for Sunday 4 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 46m of total climbing, with its high point near -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 climbing and little change in altitude throughout. Flat profiles let you hold an even pace from start to finish, which makes this a fast, PB-friendly race.
Surface Type: Road
Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
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.
Marathons of similar difficulty
If Sea of Galilee Winner Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.