Eilat Desert Marathon

The Eilat Desert Marathon is a trail road race organized by Marathon Israel and certified by AIMS, uniquely combining rugged terrain with a coastal finish in Israel. The event offers multiple race distances: full marathon, half marathon, 10 km and 5 km runs, each starting in the early morning hours — the full marathon typically begins before sunrise to enable cooler desert running conditions.

Starting at Sun Bay, the course climbs through the Negev Mountains alongside the red-hued sand of canyons and wadis. Runners pass through the Eilat Birding Center, Wadi Netafim, Amram’s Pillars, and the Land of the Lizards before running the final stretch facing the Red Sea and finishing at the Herods Hotel promenade. The terrain varies between wide sandy paths, gravel and technical sections with rolling hills, and cumulative ascent reaches over 600 m.

Participants make use of refreshment and fuel stations spaced approximately every 3 km, offering isotonic drinks, gels, dates, bananas and halva. Medical support, route markings, photo zones and a festive post-race gathering further contribute to the event’s reputation as a sports festival.

This three-day experience includes race kit collection, an opening expo, and relaxation along the Red Sea shoreline. Runners and their companions can enjoy Eilat’s tourist attractions such as beachside promenades, coral reef diving, Timna Valley tours, and views of the desert meeting the sea in southern Israel—making the marathon both a physical challenge and a destination running travel opportunity.

Information believed correct at time of publication. Please confirm details on the official website before booking arrangements.