Jerusalem Marathon

JerusalemIsrael

Next race

Sunday, 7 March 2027

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Historic urban road

Elevation

Hilly · 250 m gain

250 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Jerusalem Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each March on a historic urban road in Jerusalem, Israel. The race is defined as much by terrain as by history because Jerusalem never really runs flat. The route passes the Knesset, Old City walls, and hilltop neighborhoods with constant elevation change. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.

Jerusalem Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 5,000 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild spring
11–15°C · humidity 55–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:16:09 — Ronald Kurgat (2014)Women: 2:38:24 — Joan Kigen (2016)

Course & terrain

Jerusalem Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes near Jerusalem's civic and park areas. The route passes the Knesset, Old City walls, and hilltop neighborhoods with constant elevation change. Hilly with notable climbs. Moderate terrain throughout.

Registration

Jerusalem Marathon entry requirements

The Jerusalem Marathon uses open online registration at jerusalem-marathon.com with no ballot for the general field. Sign-up for the March race typically opens several months beforehand. The hilly Old City course draws international pilgrims and tourists; overseas runners apply through the same portal.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jerusalem Marathon elevation profile?: The Jerusalem Marathon has 250 metres of total climbing and 200 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly, with 50 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Jerusalem Marathon?: The Jerusalem Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts and finishes near Jerusalem's civic and park areas.
What time does the Jerusalem Marathon start?: The 2027 Jerusalem Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Jerusalem Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes near Jerusalem's civic and park areas. Updated each year.
When is the Jerusalem Marathon and how do I register?: Jerusalem Marathon is typically held in March. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Jerusalem Marathon course flat?: The course includes hilly with notable climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Jerusalem Marathon pass?: The route passes the Knesset, Old City walls, and hilltop neighborhoods with constant elevation change.
What weather should runners expect at Jerusalem Marathon?: Usually cool and dry with clear spring air.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Jerusalem.

Tel AvivIsrael· 54 km away

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The Tel Aviv Marathon draws about 7,000 finishers each February through Israel's Mediterranean coastal capital. The course passes the Tel Aviv Port, the Bauhaus White City, and the beachfront promenade (tayelet) with sea views. February mild Mediterranean weather and a flat coastal profile make it the largest marathon in Israel.

Next race: Friday, 26 February 2027

AntalyaTurkey· 706 km away

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The Runtalya Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on a scenic coastal road in Antalya, Turkey. Warm sea-level conditions and coastal scenery make it a popular spring destination race. The course passes Mediterranean seafront roads, resort districts, and palm-lined avenues. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

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IstanbulTurkey· 1,170 km away

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The Istanbul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on an urban road in Istanbul, Turkey. The course starts on the Asian side and finishes in Sultanahmet on the European side — the only intercontinental marathon. The route crosses the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) around kilometre 15. Mostly flat on both continents with a climb on the bridge.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

AthensGreece· 1,254 km away

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The Athens Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers on a historic urban road in Athens, Greece. The course runs from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens — the original 490 BC route. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

RiyadhSaudi Arabia· 1,368 km away

Riyadh Marathon

Riyadh's multi-distance marathon festival, based at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The official 2026 routes include a 42.195 km marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km; the longer races use northern Riyadh roads and the shorter races stay on university roads. The 2027 date remains to be announced.

ThessalonikiGreece· 1,476 km away

Alexander the Great Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Thessaloniki, Greece. The finish on Thessaloniki's waterfront is the marathon's signature moment. The route passes Macedonian plain roads and ends beside the Thermaic Gulf promenade. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Jerusalem Marathon

Overview

Jerusalem Marathon course

Jerusalem Marathon entry requirements

Jerusalem Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Jerusalem Marathon links

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