DEAD SEA MARATHON 2025
DEAD SEA LAND MARATHON 2025: A UNIQUE RUNNING EXPERIENCE 430 METERS BELOW SEA LEVEL In an extraordinary display of international athletic spirit, approximately 8,000 runners from 33 countries gathered on Friday for the sixth annual Dead Sea Land Marathon. The event, which has quickly established itself as a “bucket list” race for runners […]
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DEAD SEA LAND MARATHON 2025: A UNIQUE RUNNING EXPERIENCE 430 METERS BELOW SEA LEVEL
In an extraordinary display of international athletic spirit, approximately 8,000 runners from 33 countries gathered on Friday for the sixth annual Dead Sea Land Marathon. The event, which has quickly established itself as a “bucket list” race for runners worldwide, took place along the southern shores of the iconic salt lake in southeast Israel.
Breaking from the region’s typically arid climate, participants were greeted by dark clouds, misty rain, and cool temperatures at dawn. The unusual weather created perfect running conditions for this unique marathon, which features a distinctive route along the Israel-Jordan border.
A Historic Victory
Israeli athletes dominated this year’s event, with Eyal Porat claiming victory in the men’s marathon with a time of 2:51:22, while Olga Raz secured the women’s title with a time of 3:15:56.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
What sets the Dead Sea Marathon apart is its exceptional course, which includes a section running toward the lake’s centre along a border embankment between Israel and Jordan. This particular stretch, normally restricted to security forces and authorized personnel, becomes accessible to the public only once annually during the marathon.
The pre-dawn atmosphere was electric, with ultra-marathoners and full marathon participants gathering around a tea stall at 5:00 AM. The starting point buzzed with excitement as runners prepared for their chosen distances. The air was filled with a mix of energetic music, enthusiastic announcements from the MC, and the animated chatter of runners greeting old friends they hadn’t seen since previous races. As participants gathered, the finish area was being prepared with fruit and water for the 8,000 champions who would soon cross the line, which included the ultra-marathon (50km), full marathon (42.2km), half-marathon (21.1km), and shorter 15km, 10km, and 5km options.
MORE THAN JUST A RACE
The event offered participants a truly unique experience, running alongside ancient salt crystals against the backdrop of magical desert landscapes. The course primarily utilized compacted flat gravel paths, minimizing asphalt sections while maximizing the spectacular views of this remarkable region, situated 430 meters below sea level.
The 2025 edition featured comprehensive support for participants, including transportation services from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, a professional expo featuring major sports and lifestyle brands, and various accommodation packages at hotels in Ein Bokek. The event weekend was rounded out with lectures, panels, sunset yoga sessions, an evening after-party, and a recovery run the following morning.
A LEGACY CONTINUED
The Dead Sea Marathon represents the evolution of the historic Ein Gedi Race, which began in 1981. The half-marathon portion of the event carries special significance, being named in honor of Giora and Tomer Ron, the sons of Ein Gedi Race founder Eli Ron. This connection to the past helps maintain the event’s deep roots in the local community while embracing its growth into an international sporting phenomenon.
As the sun set on another successful edition, the Dead Sea Marathon once again proved why it has become a premier event in the international running calendar, combining athletic challenge with breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. The race not only showcases the unique landscape of the Dead Sea region but also demonstrates the power of sport to bring together people from across the globe in a celebration of human endurance and achievement.
The success of this year’s event, with its record participation numbers, suggests that the Dead Sea Marathon will continue to grow as a highlight of the global marathon calendar, offering runners a truly unique experience in one of the world’s most remarkable locations. It is with grateful thanks to the Ministry of Tourism and all the sponsors that the event is so successful. This year, especially, we had the pleasure of hosting 10 journalist/bloggers from various countries including: Germany, UK, Russia, Italy and France. Again thanks to the staff at the Ministry of Tourism who enabled them to come to Israel in these troubled times.
