Dead Sea Marathon: The Complete Runner's Guide to the Lowest Race on Earth

All distances are IAA (Israeli Athletics Association) certified. The course has been measured by anIAA-certified expert surveyor. Cash prizes are awarded to overall winners in the four longerdistances.

The 50 km ultramarathon serves as Israel’s official national championship at thatdistance.Registration prices range from NIS 110 to NIS 340, depending on the distance selected and thetiming of registration. Early registration is strongly recommended, as the 2024 edition sold out at7,000 participants.

The Course

The main highlight of the Dead Sea Marathon is running across the sea itself, on gravel dikes thatextend into the southern Dead Sea basin. These dikes, stretching 6 to 8 meters wide, areembankments maintained by the Dead Sea Works industrial facility.They serve as the border areabetween the Israeli Dead Sea and the Jordanian Dead Sea, and they pass as a border without fenceor barrier between the countries.

The course surface is predominantly unpaved, consisting of compacted gravel with some potholes,cracks, and loose stones. The last 1 to 4 kilometers (depending on distance) are on the paved EinBokek promenade. All routes set off eastward, straight into the sea, and are designed as circularroutes with minimal repetition of sections already run.

Aid stations are positioned every 2 to 3 kilometers, providing water and isotonic drinks. Longerdistances also receive gels, snacks, and fruit. Most aid stations are passed twice (out and back), butcarrying a personal hydration belt or water bottle is recommended.

Running at the Lowest Point on Earth: Performance Factors

The Dead Sea’s extreme low elevation creates atmospheric conditions that may affect runningperformance in measurable ways.

Oxygen density: the air at approximately 430 meters below sea level is approximately 5 to 10percent denser than at sea level, containing proportionally more oxygen per breath. Some runnersreport easier breathing and faster recovery between intervals. Whether this translates tomeaningful pace improvements varies by individual.

Air pressure: the elevated barometric pressure at the Dead Sea is the inverse of altitude training.Runners accustomed to training at higher elevations may find the dense air providesa modestperformance boost.

Heat: February weather at the Dead Sea averages 19 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day. The 6:15AM start time for the marathon takes advantage of the coolest morning hours. Temperatures at thestart typically range from 12 to16 degrees Celsius, rising through the race. This is cooler than manyspring marathons worldwide.

Flat terrain: the course’s total elevation gain of approximately 22 meters makes it one of the flattestmarathon courses available. Combined with the low-altitude oxygen density, this creates conditionsfavorable for personal records.

Registration and Race Kit Pickup

Registration opens online through deadsea.run months before the event. Given that the 2024edition sold out at 7,000 participants, early registration is strongly recommended for the 2026 race.

Race kit distribution takes place at the EXPO on Thursday, February 5 (the day before the race)from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and again on race morning at the gathering area. You will need a copy ofyour runner IDand registration number. Race bib exchange is not allowed: participation under afalse identity is strictly prohibited.

All participants must run wearing a shirt (the race shirt is provided but not mandatory) and therace bib with timing chip. Race officials, including referees, marshals, army, and police, must beobeyed at all times. The organizers reserve the right to remove participants from the course forsafety reasons.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Ein Bokek is located approximately 2.5 hours by carfrom Tel Aviv and 90 minutes from Jerusalem.The race organizer offers coach service on race morning from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, withshuttles running every 5 to 15 minutes from Ein Bokek hotels to the start area beginning at 5:00AM.

Hotels at EinBokek include properties within walking distance of the start/finish area on the newpromenade. Vacation packages specifically designed for marathon participants are availablethrough the race’s hotel partners. Many hotels feature heated pools, spas, and Dead Sea watermineral pools, which serve as ideal post-race recovery facilities.

February weather at Ein Bokek is pleasant for non-running companions: the Dead Sea watertemperature in February averages 19 to 20 degrees Celsius, warm enough for floating, and daytimeair temperatures allow comfortable sightseeing.

Post - Race Recovery at the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea may be the most effective post-race recovery destination on any marathon circuit.The mineral-rich water containsapproximately 34.2% dissolved salts, including highconcentrations of magnesium (associated with muscle relaxation in clinical studies), bromide(historically associated with calming effects), and calcium.

A 15 to 20 minute float in the Dead Sea after cooling down and rehydrating can serve as a mineral-based contrast therapy. Hotel spas at Ein Bokek offer Dead Sea mud wraps and mineral-basedmassage treatments. The warm water and low-stress floating position may help with post-racemuscle soreness, though individual responses vary.

Allow at least 2 to 3 hours between finishing the race and entering the Dead Sea. Ensure anyblisters, chafing, or open skin irritation is fully assessed first. Dead Sea water with 34.2% salinitywill cause significant stinging onany broken skin.