The Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon, Israel’s largest sports event, is adapting to Coronavirus (COVID-19) times and is turning itself into a global event.
Thousands of runners from around the world arrive annually in Israel to run the Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon. This year, to overcome the challenges of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent travel bans, the marathon is going global.
The Tel Aviv Marathon will take place in a unique and digital format on February 19-25, 2021.
“No matter where you live and love to run, you are invited to join us,” the city stated.
“The motto ‘All Running Together Separately’ is at the heart of the event, inviting all runners – amateurs and professionals alike – to excel and join thousands of other participants across the world at the same time, each one following a local course designed especially for him or her by a dedicated smartphone app,” it explained.
The event will include a Marathon, half-marathon, 10 km. and 5 km. Participants can run their chosen distance from February 19 to the 25th.
Runners worldwide will be able to register online. Prior to race week, runners will receive a link to download a smartphone race app and participation instructions.
During race week itself, the app will broadcast a start line ceremony, offer interactive monitoring of marathon routes and race times, provide encouraging messages and playlists, and enable viewing and sharing of photos captured along race routes.
The app will also design a personalized certificate upon finishing the race.
Full race kits can be ordered and sent abroad. Kits will include a drawstring bag, an official marathon running shirt, a personal runner number, a medal, a “finisher” sticker and various gifts.
In February 2020, over 40,000 runners participated in the Tel Aviv Marathon, including many participants from across the world.
The marathon, recognized as one of the world’s top winter races due to the city’s warm year-long climate, saw participants enjoy a 42 km. route winding its way through the heart of the city, and alongside the white sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.
Lior Shapira, Chairman of Tel Aviv-Yafo City Council and Head of Sports, stated that “we will run together this year in a unique format, creating a broad human mosaic of participants running together across the globe.”
“Until we meet again soon in sunny Tel Aviv-Yafo, we look forward to bringing the atmosphere of Tel Aviv-Yafo to your doorstep. Sign up, put on your running shoes and marathon shirt, and run with us in February!” she declared.