The 33rd International Tiberias Marathon – the world's lowest marathon at 200 meters below sea level – will take place on 7 January 2010 at the Sea of Galilee. The race, which last year attracted over 1,200 athletes from 20 different countries running in many different categories, is an important fixture on the international marathon calendar. In 2009, Kenyan athlete Jackson Kipkoech Kotut smashed the previous record with a winning time of 2:08:07.

The marathon, organized by the Israeli Athletic Association and the Tiberias Municipality, is the highlight of the Festival of Sports Activities and Tourism in Tiberias. Other activities include a 10 kilometer race, power walks, water sports, a sports conference, a bicycle race, and walking tours in around Tiberias, the capital of the Galilee and a major tourist attraction.

The virtually flat course of the marathon follows the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, crossing the Jordan River up to the turning point at Kibbutz Ein Gev and returning through the main streets of Tiberias to the finish line at the Golden Tulip Hotel. The hotel will host a free pasta party for all participants the evening preceding the race.

During the race, runners enjoy excellent facilities, such as frequent refreshing drink and sponge stations, professional race control, medical back-up, and, of course, stunning scenery, comfortable temperatures and good humidity. Every runner arriving at the finishing line will receive a medal and a certificate. Trophies will be awarded to the first three across the finish line in each age-group. Registration for the marathon is open till 29-December-2009, with early registration (before 25-November-2009) benefiting from a reduced rate.

Further information and for registration visit www.tiberias-marathon.co.il.

Located on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias offers tourists historical and religious sites, the Old City, promenade, marina, boat trips, water sports, thermo-mineral hot springs, a wide variety of accommodation and entertainment options, and easy access to the many religious sites around the lake and in the nearby Galilee region. These include Yardenit, the baptism site on the River Jordan, the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha as well as many important churches, synagogues, nature reserves and other tourist attractions.