Over the past 15 years, the Jerusalem Marathon has grown into one of Israel’s largest and most anticipated sporting events, bringing participants from across the country and around the world. The 15th International Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon is currently scheduled to take place on Friday, March 27, 2026 – just two weeks from now – beginning at Givat Ram Stadium.
However, preparations for this year’s race are unfolding under unusual circumstances. Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran and heightened security concerns across the country, Israeli authorities have temporarily restricted public gatherings and large-scale events in many areas for safety reasons. As a result, organizers, participants, and city officials are closely monitoring the situation in hopes that conditions will allow the marathon to proceed as planned.
Despite the uncertainty, many runners say the marathon represents something larger than just a race. For participants and organizers alike, continuing to train and prepare for the event reflects a broader determination to maintain daily life even during times of conflict.
In a city accustomed to challenges, the marathon has become a symbol of resilience – a reminder that communities continue to move forward, quite literally, even in difficult times.
Jerusalem Municipality in a tricky position
Reached for comment, the Jerusalem Municipality explained the obviously tricky position it is in through a statement to The Jerusalem Post.
“We are following the instructions of the Home Front Command and are in ongoing contact with the relevant authorities regarding the holding of the 15th International Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon,” it read. “At this stage, we are preparing for the event to take place as scheduled. We hope the marathon goes ahead as planned. We must follow the rules and accept that much is out of our hands. If there are any changes, we will provide an update several days before the event.”
If the race goes as planned, organizers expect between 30,000 and 40,000 runners to participate this year, including professional athletes, amateur runners, community groups, and families. The event will feature several race categories with staggered start times throughout the morning, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and family-friendly races, allowing participants of all ages and skill levels to take part.
One of the features that makes the marathon unique is its route through many of Jerusalem’s historic sites. The race begins near the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, before continuing through central Jerusalem and passing the National Library of Israel, one of the country’s most important cultural and academic institutions, located near the government district and major university campuses.
The course then moves toward the area surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem, where runners pass near several historic gates and quarters. From the route, participants can glimpse landmarks such as the Tower of David near Jaffa Gate, one of the best-known entrances to the Old City.
While the scenery is remarkable, the course is also known for its physical demands. Jerusalem’s steep hills, winding roads, and changing elevation make the marathon significantly more challenging than many flatter city races. For many runners, however, this combination of difficulty and historic beauty is what makes the Jerusalem Marathon unique.
2026 marathon to feature international competition
The 2026 marathon will also feature a competitive international field. In the men’s full marathon, Uganda’s Thomas Ayeko is considered one of the leading favorites. Ayeko is a veteran long-distance runner and former member of the Ugandan national team who has placed highly in several international races.
He will compete alongside Lochick Lotino Peter Akileo of South Sudan, a young and promising marathoner viewed as a potential future Olympian. Kenyan runner Japhet Rono, known for his experience in international distance races, will also compete in the men’s field.
Representing Israel is Amitai Yonah, who finished third at the 2025 Jerusalem Marathon and placed second at the 2026 Warsaw Marathon, making him a strong local contender.
The women’s marathon is also expected to draw attention, particularly with the return of defending champion Pauline Jepkirui Salgong of Kenya. Salgong won the 2025 Jerusalem Marathon and arrives in strong form as she attempts to defend her title. She trains in Kapsabet, Kenya, a region known for producing elite distance runners due to its high-altitude environment and long tradition of competitive running.
Salgong will face competition from Scarlet Chemos of Uganda, a young runner considered one of the rising talents in international marathon racing. Organizers expect the matchup between the experienced Kenyan champion and the emerging Ugandan challenger to be one of the key storylines of this year’s race.
The half-marathon will also include international competitors, including Ukrainian runners Bogdan Semenovych, who won last year’s full marathon, and Natalia Semenovych, who took first place in the 2025 half-marathon.
Alongside the competitive races, the marathon also serves as a major platform for charitable and community organizations, many of which participate in teams to raise awareness and support for their causes. Organizations expected to take part include the Koby Mandell Foundation, which supports families affected by terrorism through therapeutic programs and community endeavors, and The Ari Fuld Project, which focuses on strengthening Israel through educational and community programs inspired by Ari Fuld’s legacy.
Health advocacy groups are also participating, including Sharsheret, which supports Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer through education and resources. Emunah USA, which funds educational and social welfare programs for children and families across Israel, will also participate, along with youth organizations such as Yachad, which promotes inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
These organizations represent only a portion of the many nonprofits and community groups expected to participate, highlighting the marathon’s role not only as a major sporting event but also as a gathering point for social causes and civic engagement.
As the Jerusalem Marathon marks its 15th year, thousands of runners and spectators hope the city’s streets will once again fill with competition, community, and celebration. Whether the event proceeds as planned will depend largely on security conditions in the coming weeks, but organizers remain hopeful that the race will be able to take place.
If it does, the marathon will stand not only as a major athletic event but also as a symbol of resilience for a city accustomed to navigating extraordinary challenges.