Tiberias International Marathon

Held in Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, this December marathon takes place in one of the country's most historically significant regions. The landscape is characterized by the vast freshwater lake to one side and the Galilean hills beyond, creating a distinctive geography that sits below sea level. The setting carries both natural beauty and deep cultural resonance, with ancient sites scattered throughout the area that connect to thousands of years of history. The course itself is a trail-based loop that hugs the contours of the region without making excessive demands on the legs. Runners will encounter gently rolling terrain rather than sustained climbs, with the overall elevation gain kept modest at around 99 meters across the full distance. The path winds through the lowland landscape around sea level, offering relatively straightforward running without the punishing climbs that characterize many trail marathons. Expect firm trail surfaces and the kind of steady, rhythmic running that allows you to find a groove early and maintain it, though the December timing means weather conditions will vary depending on how late in the month the race falls.