Running around Lake Kinneret has a lot to be said for it… This winter, take advantage of the Festival of Sports Activities and Tourism in Tiberias, to take place on January 10, 2008. In the mild weather around the Sea of Galilee, at an estimated morning temperature of 15 °C (59°F), and an almost entirely flat course, you will doubtlessly be able to give it your best.

The course follows the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, set against beautiful rustic landscape and ancient history in the Jordan Valley. Runners will cross the Jordan River up to the turning point at Kibbutz Ein Gev (look it up on the map!) then back to Tiberias, finishing at the Golden Tulip Hotel. If you were born in 1994 or earlier, you can take part in the 10 km race.

During the race, runners enjoy excellent facilities, such as frequent refreshing drink and sponge stations, professional race control, medical back-up, not to mention comfortable average temperature and humidity conditions.

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, and special prizes will be awarded to the fastest Israeli men and women, to be titled National Champions. All participants will be offered a free invitation to the Pasta Party to take place the evening preceding the race.

For those who do not run, there are also brisk walks, water sports, a sports conference, a bicycle race, and walking tours in around Tiberias. The tour offers not only beautiful scenery, but historical and holy sites of interest to all religions. Tiberias was built by Herod Antipas some 2000 years ago and named after the Roman emperor Tiberius. Now as then, it is the capital of the Galilee and a major tourist attraction.

The races are organized by the Israeli Athletic Association and the Tiberias Municipality.