The ninth Samathon is underway. The desert mountain bike race takes place every year in the Southern Arava and is considered one of the most unique and beautiful stage races in the world and the most challenging in the field. The marathon routes move against the backdrop of the spectacular landscape of Timna Park and the southern prairie, which was described by international competitors as one of the ten most beautiful cycling destinations in the world.
The award-winning race takes place at the end of the winter season when the desert is blooming, the riding conditions are perfect and the weather is comfortable for riding. Riders from all over the country and the world enjoy a challenging desert ride every Samathon. Over 65% of the riding in the competition is on unique, carefully designed desert singletracks, some of which are ancient desert singletracks drawn throughout history by camel caravans that traded along the Perfume Route for centuries, and adapted for cyclists by some of the best trail planners and builders in the world.
The marathon will take place over three days between Thursday March 2nd and Saturday March 4th and will include three full cycling stages passing through the areas of the Eilot Regional Council in the Southern Arava.
The riders’ village will be this year in Kibbutz Elifaz, located near Timna Park and its excellent singles system. The marathon riders will be able to choose from a multitude of accommodation options in the area with a wide range of prices, starting from accommodation in a “Mahabit” tent at the well-invested and spacious campsite in the riders’ village, through upgraded “Moringa” tents and caravans in Timna Park, quadruple rooms in the Hebal settlements to luxurious double rooms in Eilat, Elifaz, Ketura, Lotan, Yahal, Navot Smadr and Timna Park.
On the morning of March 2nd, the first stage will start, Ketura circles – 84 km, 1,120 meters of cumulative climbing, 55% singles. On the morning of March 3rd, the second stage will start – Point to Point from Ketura to Elifaz – 79 km, 1,150 meters of cumulative climbing , 45% singles. On March 4, the third stage will be launched – Timna single – 51 km, 750 meters of cumulative climbing, 65% singles. The start is from Eliphaz and back.
The singles in the southern Araba and in Timna Park were paved by the Economic Company for the Development of the Eilot Region with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and KKL-Junk.