Jerusalem Marathon and Half Marathon 2020

The Jerusalem Marathon is one of the most exciting events in Jerusalem. The marathon is set against the backdrop of Jerusalem's magnificent views as you run through streets filled with history. One of the most unique marathons in the world.  The Jerusalem Marathon is one of Israel's largest marathons, with 30,000 participants, ranging from elite runners to the international runners of the world. Run against the backdrop of Jerusalem's cultural and historical landscapes, past sites such as Israeli Knesset, Machane Yehuda Marketplace, Mount Scopus, the Old City, David's Tower, Haas Promenade and more. Run through the streets where Kings and Prophets walked. It is guaranteed to be a challenging, thrilling and unforgettable experience for all runners.  We have attended, and taken part in, the event and can't describe how good it is. The atmosphere is brilliant, the organisation of the highest order and the city itself is stunning. You won't believe what an extraordinary marathon this is until you try it for yourself! Click on the image below for a sneak peak of how much you will enjoy the Jerusalem Marathon! Course The various courses pass by fascinating historical sites that illuminate 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem, Israel's capital.  Start the race near the Knesset building and run towards the Israel Museum, Israel's largest and most significant museum and the tenth largest in the world. From there, continue towards the center of town and savor the aromas of the nearby Machane Yehuda marketplace. After circling the Mount Scopus Hebrew University campus, run back towards the Old City, past the exclusive shopping mall and luxury hotel at Mamilla, the neighborhood that links the Old City with Jerusalem's new neighborhoods. Take in the historical architecture, narrow alleyways, and the sense of the ancient Jerusalem stone beneath your feet as you enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate. Behold the glorious Tower of David, part of the fortress built in the second century BC to protect the city.  Run through the Armenian Quarter, the smallest of the four quarters of the Old City and recall Jesus' final journey down Via Dolorosa located just several hundred meters to the left. The course will then take you alongside the Jewish Quarter for a glimpse of the Western Wall, the holiest site for the Jewish nation and remnant of the Second Temple. Send a silent prayer over to the holy stones as you run towards Zion Gate, also known as David's Gate, on your way out of the Old City.  The sight of the ancient archeological City of David coming into view on the left is the perfect opportunity to hum a marching tune. Continue west towards Sultan's Pool, built over 500 years ago. This former water reservoir now quenches Jerusalem's thirst for culture with the many outdoor performances that it hosts. Next, you'll pass Mishkenot Shaananim, a cultural and international convention center that promotes tolerance and pluralism. Continue running towards the charming Emek Refaim neighborhood, built by the Templars in the 19th century and now a cultural hotspot for Jerusalem residents and visitors alike.  The route continues alongside the First Station, a new culture and recreation site established at the old train station where Israel's first train set out en route to Jaffa. Proceed to southeastern Jerusalem and run along the Armon Hanatziv Promenade which connects three walkways – the Haas, Goldman and Sherover Promenades. Make a U-turn at the UN building and run back towards Gaza St. The final stretch of the marathon runs through the enchanting Valley of the Cross, near the ancient Greek monastery and straight towards Ben Zvi Blvd. on the opposite end of the tunnel, where hundreds of spectators are waiting to cheer you on as you cross the finish line.  Start Time Marathon 7:00am           At the junction between the Knesset and the Israel Museum, Hamagbit Square on Rupin Rd. The marathon finishes at the southern end of Sacher Park. Half Marathon 6:45am    As above 10km 9:30am                  In waves 9:39/9:45/10:00  5km 7:30am                     Expo TUE-THU     3:00pm - 9:00pm Runners and supporters alike are invited to visit the Expo at the Pais Arena and enjoy an electric athletic fair atmosphere, a variety of booths and stores, offering special discounts on sports apparel, accessories and equipment of the world's leading sportswear brands, fitness workouts in collaboration with Israel's top gyms, lectures and kits distribution.  Pasta Party Get ready for the Jerusalem Marathon traditional Pasta Dinner! The pasta dinner is served the night before the marathon is the climax of the carbohydrate loaded diet that runners need to build up their glycogen stores before the race. The annual dinner has become an inseparable part of the experience shared by all runners in the 42.2 km race.  All marathon runners are invited to join the traditional, festive pasta dinner on the night before the race. Enjoy a rich, diverse menu in an exciting, social atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to meet the people who will be running alongside you.  Invitations are provided to full marathon runners only. You will receive your invitation with your running kit and will be asked to present it at the door. Others who wish to participate in the pasta dinner can purchase a ticket for 50 NIS at the location, based on availability.