The Bible Marathon: Heats

Full marathon 42.2km - Course description

Full Marathon 42.2k – full description
An amazing and challenging off-road marathon through the lovely scenery of the Binyamin region. We will run through spectacular landscapes on gravel paths and “singles”, meet clear natural springs, impressive vineyards and olive groves.

The route starts from Ancient Shiloh, the site of the “Mishkan” and the first capital of the kingdom of Israel for 369 years. Race begins before sunrise between fields and olive groves, until we reach Mount Kida. As we run around the mountain we’ll enjoy the amazing sunrise towards the Jordan Valley and the Saratba ridge. We then ascend to another lookout at Mitzpe Ahia and from there we will descend along a meandering single track to the Shiloh Valley. We will run along the valley and pass beneath Route 60 in the direction of the vineyards that adorn the entrance to Givat Harel. Route passes through the vineyards until we reach the “Gva’ot” winery – a high quality boutique winery located on the cliffs of Nahal Shilo with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. We will descend on a beautiful single track to the Shilo wadi, climb towards Nahal Shilo farm and then descend back to the wadi and run along it until we reach Ein Oz – a clear spring that flows along the creek and invites a cool dip. We will continue on a comfortable path until we reach the Spring of Heroism (let’s see you resist the temptation to hop in!). From the spring we will continue along a single track that winds through the Eli Forest, and then climb towards Ancient Shiloh, through its ruins to the biblical gate and finish line, where the famous “Man of Benjamin” shield will be waiting for you.

Cumulative ascent: 857 meters
Cumulative descent: 858 meters
Peaks: from 569 to 840 meters
Hydration stations along the route: from the 4th km, and every 3-4 km

Half Marathon 21.1km - Course description

Half Marathon 21.1k – full description
A great off-road trail through the lovely scenery of the Binyamin region. We will run through the vineyards of local boutique wineries, past clear natural springs and olive groves.

The route starts from Ancient Shiloh, the site of the “Mishkan” and the first capital of the kingdom of Israel for 369 years. We’ll begin running through fields and olive groves, around the settlements of Shiloh, and Shvut Rachel and descend along a meandering track to the Shiloh Valley. We will run along the valley and pass beneath Route 60 in the direction of the vineyards that adorn the entrance to Givat Harel. Route passes through the vineyards until we reach the “Gva’ot” winery – a high quality boutique winery located on the cliffs of Nahal Shilo with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. We will descend on a beautiful single track to the wadi and run along it until we reach Ein Oz – a clear spring that flows along the creek and invites a cool dip. We will continue on a comfortable path until we reach the Spring of Heroism (let’s see you resist the temptation to hop in!). From the spring we will climb towards Ancient Shiloh, through its ruins to the biblical gate and finish line, where the famous “Man of Benjamin” shield will be waiting for you.

Cumulative ascent: 396 meters
Cumulative descent: 395 meters
Peaks: from 569 to 735 meters
Hydration stations along the route: from the 4th km, and every 3-4 km

Cutoff: 4 hours.

10km course - Course description

10k – full description
A fantastic route through the Binyamin region. We will run through lovely vineyards which serve the local boutique wineries, and olive groves from which fine olive oil is produced. The route is reminiscent of the landscapes of Tuscany, and fills runners with the energies of biblical landscape, history and nature.

The route starts from Ancient Shiloh, the site of the “Mishkan” and the first capital of the kingdom of Israel for 369 years. We’ll begin running east, then head back to Nahal Shiloh. We will pass beneath Route 60 in the direction of the vineyards and run along the wadi till we reach Ein Oz – a clear spring that flows along the creek and invites a cool dip. We will continue on a comfortable path and begin the climb towards Ancient Shiloh, through its ruins to the biblical gate and finish line.

Hydration stations along the route: every 3-4 km

5km course - Course description

5k – full description
An easy off-road route through the olive groves below Ancient Shiloh and its antique ruins.

We will begin running towards the settlement of Eli, run through the fine olive groves of Tura Olive Press – a high quality boutique winery and olive press, and from there we will return and ascend to the finish line at Ancient Shiloh.

Hydration stations along the route: at 2.5 km

Special Needs Run - Course description

Special Needs route – full description
The most exciting route, where children with special needs run together with their families, volunteers and teenagers.

Length: 700 meters

There’s no time cap for this route, and every runner here is a winner.