Preparations are on in full-swing for the fourth Dead Sea Land Marathon that will be held at Ein Bokek Beach in Israel on February 3.

With the 2023 marathon season back, registrations for a unique marathon, the Dead Sea Marathon is in full swing. The marathon to be run along the Dead Sea, the lowest place in the world, will start on February 3 at Ein Bokek Beach in the Tamar Regional Council, Dead Sea Land, says a press statement.

The statement adds that hectic preparations are on for the Dead Sea Marathon, which is taking place for the fourth year, and will offer the participants a unique running experience in areas closed to the public throughout the year, next to ancient salt crystals, in front of the magical desert landscapes and on the eastern border of Israel.

The statement says that all the runners will run east, straight onto the sea towards Jordan, on a dirt embankment that is not normally stepped on and which has been adapted especially for the benefit of the marathon participants. The routes are circular with a minimum repetition of the routes, with a minimum of asphalt and a maximum of scenery.

The statement says that the Dead Sea Marathon is gaining increasing interest around the world and is becoming an event that attracts hundreds of runners from abroad who want to enjoy a running experience along with hospitality and recreation at the lowest place in the world.

It adds that all runners will run straight onto the sea towards the border with Jordan, on a dirt embankment that has never been trodden on and which has been specially adapted for the use of marathon participants. All routes are circular, with minimum asphalt, it adds.

‘‘I am thrilled that everything is getting back to normal. We have been waiting for since the first wave of the pandemic brough the world to a standstill two years ago.  We are confident that visitor numbers will gradually recover to pre-pandemic numbers as consumer confidence grows in line with the gradual easing of restrictions.  Our first, and most important priority is the safety and wellbeing of all those who wish to travel to Israel, and starting next week, I look forward to welcoming Indian runners to participate around the beautiful sites of Jerusalem,” says Sammy Yahia, Israel’s Director of Tourism to India and Philippines. 

According to the statement, the Dead Sea Marathon has grown from the foundations of the old Ein Gedi race, which for over 30 years hosted thousands of runners and was an anchor point in the annual race schedule of amateurs and professionals from all over the country who became addicted to the magical view and silence. As a continuation of the commemorative event at the half marathon will be held in memory of the late Tomer and Giora Ron, members of Kibbutz Ein Gedi.

Wide range of courses to accommodate all levels:

The statement says that the marathon will have different levels and different degrees of difficulty for the runners to choose from.

• 5km– A comfortable running and walking route for those who enjoy the running experience.
• 10km – Running on the dike out to the sea and returning along the new Dead Sea promenade.
• 21.1 kmHalf fast and flat track, in the name of Tomer and Giora Ron.
• 42 kmmarathon – a flat marathon around the southern Dead Sea basin
• 50km Ultra Marathon – The Israeli championship by Israel’s athletic association.