The 15th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon has been postponed from March 27 to April 17, 2026, as city officials cite security concerns amid the ongoing war with Iran.
The announcement, confirmed by the Jerusalem Municipality, shifts the race back three weeks in an effort to ensure the safety of participants, staff, and the public.
“The Winner Jerusalem Marathon is a major and important event for the city… but first and foremost, we are concerned about the safety of the participants, teams, and the public,” said Mayor Moshe Lion.
What This Means for Runners
For the thousands of runners already deep into marathon preparation, the delay presents an unexpected challenge: how to maintain peak fitness without overtraining or losing form.
Participants who had registered for the original date will be automatically re-registered for April 17. Those unable to attend can cancel their entry or transfer to the 2027 race via the official marathon website.
Bridging the 3-Week Gap
A three-week delay effectively creates what many coaches call a “double taper”—a situation that requires careful adjustment rather than extended rest.
Sports science guidance suggests maintaining fitness through a short “bridge” phase:
- Week 1: Reduce slightly, but avoid full taper
- Week 2: Include one final quality workout to stay sharp
- Week 3: Enter a traditional taper leading into race day
The added time may also benefit runners preparing for Jerusalem’s notoriously hilly course, allowing for additional strength work and downhill conditioning.
Race Day Remains the Same
Despite the date change, the event will still feature its full lineup, including the marathon, half marathon, and shorter distance races. The course will continue to pass key landmarks such as the Knesset and the Old City walls.
