Jerusalem has canceled the full 42.2-kilometer race of the 15th International Jerusalem Winner Marathon after officials determined the forecast heat posed too great a risk for long-distance runners. The rest of the event is still expected to go ahead, but on an accelerated schedule: the half-marathon has been moved to 5:15 a.m., followed by three 10K waves at 6:30, 6:45 and 7:00, the community race at 8:00, two 5K waves at 8:30 and 8:45, and the family race at 9:15. 

City officials said the move came after a professional review of the forecasts and out of “full responsibility” for the safety of runners, staff and participants. The marathon’s accompanying physician, Prof. Naama Constantini of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, warned that long-distance running in these conditions could endanger participants’ health, including experienced runners. 

Organizers are automatically shifting full-marathon registrants into the half-marathon rather than scrapping their participation outright, while preparations for the scaled-down event continue with security, medical and production teams. Runners were also urged to adjust to the earlier start times, including by getting proper rest ahead of race morning. 

The change lands after an already difficult buildup for this year’s race. The marathon had first been pushed back from its original March date because of security restrictions tied to the war with Iran, turning what was meant to be a major return-to-routine event in the capital into a second straight logistical reset. Even so, the municipality is still trying to preserve the day as a public display of resilience rather than cancel it altogether.