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Getting to the Crane Race 2026, and getting home

Friday 30 October at Agamon HaHula in the Hula Valley. The half marathon starts at 06:30, about 2.5 hours north of Tel Aviv, so most runners either drive up the night before or leave home in the dark.

Updated September 2026 · Race details from the organizer's own site

3 people sharing a ride at night

Driving north

Agamon HaHula is in the Hula Valley in the Upper Galilee, about 2.5 hours from Tel Aviv, 2 from Haifa and about 3 from Jerusalem. No public transport reaches it in time for a 06:30 start. Almost everyone drives, and a lot of those cars carry one runner.

The night before, or a 4am start

With the half marathon at 06:30 and the 10 km at 07:25, the choice is sleeping in the Galilee on Thursday night or leaving the center at about 4am. The organizers usually run an evening event with race kit pick-up at Agamon HaHula the day before, so the night before is often worth it. Check their site for this year's times.

Getting home before Shabbat

The race is on a Friday. Buses from the north thin out through the afternoon and stop before Shabbat, so a runner who came up in someone else's car needs a way back settled in advance.

When and where

Friday 30 October 2026, Agamon HaHula, Hula Valley, Upper Galilee.

Distances

Half marathon 21.1 km at 06:30, 10 km at 07:25, and a 4 km run or walk. Flat, around the lake.

From your city

Tel Aviv about 2.5 hours, Haifa about 2, Jerusalem about 3. No train.

Traveling with runners already going

The Crane Race has a ride board on PairMee. See who is driving up from your area and ask to join, or post your own trip and choose who comes along. Whoever posts the ride approves everyone who joins, and there is a women-only option. It is free, and fuel is agreed between you.

Questions runners ask

When and where is the Crane Race 2026?
Friday 30 October 2026 at Agamon HaHula in the Hula Valley, organized by Marathon Israel with KKL. Distances are a half marathon, 10 km and a 4 km run or walk, on a flat course around the lake.
What time does the Crane Race start?
According to Marathon Israel, the half marathon starts at 06:30 and the 10 km at 07:25. Check their site for the 4 km start and any changes.
How do I get to Agamon HaHula?
By car. It is about 2.5 hours from Tel Aviv and 2 from Haifa. Nothing public gets you there in time for the start, so most runners drive up the night before or leave very early.
How do runners get home after the race?
The race is on Friday and public transport stops before Shabbat, so settle the way home before you go: a seat with a runner heading back to your area, or a shared ride.
Where do I register?
On Marathon Israel's site, which also lists the kit pick-up times.

PairMee does not organize this race. Details about the race belong to Marathon Israel and appear here to save you the search. You can also read how it works or what we have to say about safety.

A 4am drive is easier with company

Post your drive before race week and approve the runners who join.