Thousands of runners from around the world are expected to gather in southern Israel later this month for the 2025 International Desert Marathon in Eilat, marking the 15th anniversary of the event.
The marathon, officially recognized by the World Marathon Association, will take place Friday, Nov. 29, along trails in the southern Arava desert. The event is organized by Marathon Israel in cooperation with the Eilat Municipality and the Eilat Tourism Corporation.
Runners will traverse challenging desert terrain surrounded by views of the Edom Mountains and the Gulf of Eilat. The race weekend, which has become a fixture in the international running calendar, draws athletes from dozens of countries and generates a boost for local tourism.
Four competitive distances will begin from the Dan Hotel Eilat: a full marathon (42.2 kilometers), a half marathon (21.1 kilometers), a 10-kilometer race, and a 5-kilometer race. A 1.5-kilometer family race will take place the evening before, with Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri joining participants.
Festivities begin Thursday, Nov. 28, with the opening of the Expo complex and the Family Race. Evening activities include yoga at sunset on the beach, a flag parade featuring international running groups, a participants’ briefing, and a traditional pasta dinner at the Dan Hotel Eilat.
The competitive races will start at dawn Friday, followed by a winners’ ceremony at 10 a.m. attended by the mayor. Runners will be greeted along the route with live music, refreshments, and desert scenery. A special film screening on the Eilat promenade will cap the evening, celebrating 15 years of the marathon.
The weekend will conclude Saturday with a recovery run, yoga sessions on the promenade, and lectures by leading Israeli running coaches.
“The Desert Marathon in Eilat is much more than a sporting event — it’s a celebration of nature, running, and community,” said Ofer Padan, CEO of Marathon Israel. “As we mark 15 years, we invite all runners to experience the magic of the desert, the international atmosphere, and Eilat’s warm embrace.”
Mayor Lankri said the event “connects sports, landscape, and tourism, and puts Eilat on the map of international sporting events.”
The marathon is held in cooperation with the Dan Hotels chain, which is offering participants exclusive accommodation packages.