This will be Israel's first adventure race, and planners hope it will become an annual event.

The idea behind these races is to challenge long-distance runners by adding various obstacles. Whereas the marathon is considered the ultimate, most exhausting long-distance race, adventure races are even longer. Whereas marathons are run on paved routes, adventure races are run on natural terrain, preferably in hilly regions. And whereas every marathon runner paces himself, adventure races are run in pairs, and contestants must start and finish with their partner.

"Running in pairs can be both harder and easier," says David Erez, co-owner of a sporting goods store and the race's initiator. "Keeping a consistent pace, slowing or speeding up in keeping with someone else's abilities, is very difficult, physically and mentally. But in pairs, one person will be better at some things, such as running uphill, so he will encourage his partner, while the other person may find long, boring stretches easier, and will make sure his partner does not give up."

The route will take the runners past many interesting sites in the Megiddo area, including Hill 400, with its beautiful view of Nahal Kinay. On the day of the race, the pairs of runners will be briefed about the route.

The organizers have planned it in the shape of a three-leafed clover, with the starting and finishing point in the center, surrounded by three circular routes, one 16 kilometers long, and the other two 17 kilometers long. The food and drink stations are at the starting point and finish line, and the runners are able to leave food, drink and personal equipment there.

Erez says that, three weeks before the race, some 50 runners have already registered. Erez himself will be running with Karen Goldblatt, who co-owns the sporting goods store. Erez says that anyone who has run a marathon or long navigation race, and who has a suitable running partner, can participate in the race. He advises running pairs to train together, in order to get used to cooperating with one another.

"In the coming week it will be good to increase the number of running sessions, and then to reduce them in the week before the race, to lower the risk of injuries and to increase the bodies' 'hunger' for running."

A map and description of the route are available at www.shvoong.co.il and runners can register at the Pro:Sport store on Hahashmonaim Street in Tel Aviv. Tel: 03-6247659. Registration fee: NIS 110.

Haaretz.com