From December to March, the Gulf and the eastern Mediterranean have their race season. Days are warm and dry, and the big races are mostly first come, first served, so you can usually still get a place a few months out.
Things to know
- Race day isn't always Sunday. Israeli races are usually on a Friday, and many Gulf races on a Friday or Saturday. Check the day before you book flights.
- Starts are early. Even in winter it warms up fast after sunrise, so races often start around dawn. Book a hotel near the start, or check how you'll get there that early.
- Some cities are close together. Ras Al Khaimah is about an hour from Dubai airport, and Jerusalem and the Dead Sea are reached from Tel Aviv airport.
- Check travel advice from your own government before you book, and again before you fly.
United Arab Emirates
ADNOC Abu Dhabi MarathonFlat, along the Corniche, in mid-December.
Sat 12 Dec 2026Race day 20–26°CAbu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesFly into Abu Dhabi (AUH)Open
How to get in: Yes, registration opened end of July 2026Dubai MarathonOne of the fastest marathon courses in the world, in mid-January.
Sun 17 Jan 2027Race day 16–24°CDubai, United Arab EmiratesFly into Dubai (DXB)Open
How to get in: Yes, registration open on the official siteRas Al Khaimah Half MarathonFlat and very fast. Some of the world's quickest half marathon times are run here.
Sat 30 Jan 2027Race day 17–24°CRas Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesFly into Dubai (DXB), about 1 hour awayOpen
How to get in: Yes, registration openOman
Muscat MarathonMuscat's big race weekend in late January. Expect some rolling sections and warm sun.
Fri 29 or Sat 30 Jan 2027 (day not yet published)Race day 18–25°CMuscat, OmanFly into Muscat (MCT)Open
How to get in: Yes, registration open (early-entry discount)Muscat Half MarathonSame race weekend as the marathon, based at Al Khuwair Square.
Fri 29 or Sat 30 Jan 2027 (day not yet published)Race day 18–25°CMuscat, OmanFly into Muscat (MCT)Open
How to get in: Yes, registration open (early-entry discount)Israel
Dead Sea MarathonAbout 400 m below sea level: the lowest race on earth. Flat along the shore.
Fri 5 Feb 2027Race day 15–23°CEin Bokek, IsraelFly into Ramon (ETM) or Tel Aviv (TLV), about 2.5 hours awayEntry: check
How to get in: Check the official siteDead Sea Half MarathonThe same low, flat course, over half the distance.
Fri 5 Feb 2027Race day 15–23°CEin Bokek, IsraelFly into Ramon (ETM) or Tel Aviv (TLV), about 2.5 hours awayEntry: check
How to get in: Check the official siteTel Aviv MarathonFlat, along the seafront and through Yarkon Park.
Late Feb 2027 (26 Feb expected)Race day 12–19°CTel Aviv, IsraelFly into Tel Aviv (TLV)Open
How to get in: Yes, registration open. Early price 240 NIS until 30 Nov 2026Tel Aviv Half MarathonThe bigger of the Tel Aviv races, with about 12,000 runners. Flat and by the sea.
Late Feb 2027 (26 Feb expected)Race day 12–19°CTel Aviv, IsraelFly into Tel Aviv (TLV)Open
How to get in: Yes, registration open. Early price 180 NIS until 30 Nov 2026Jerusalem MarathonHilly, through the Old City. Slow, but one of the most memorable courses anywhere.
Fri 19 Mar 2027Race day 9–17°CJerusalem, IsraelFly into Tel Aviv (TLV), about 1 hour awayOpen
How to get in: Yes, registration open (early price until 2 Dec 2026)Jerusalem Half MarathonHilly, through downtown and the Old City, then along the Armon Hanatsiv promenade.
Fri 19 Mar 2027Race day 9–17°CJerusalem, IsraelFly into Tel Aviv (TLV), about 1 hour awayOpen
How to get in: Yes, registration open (early price until 2 Dec 2026)Find the race that suits you
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Race details come from our race database, checked against organisers' sites in October 2026. Temperatures are typical averages, not forecasts. Always confirm dates on the official race site before you book.