For the first time since its inception, the annual Tel Aviv Gillette Marathon will take place on two different dates. Weather forecasters are calling for hot and humid temperatures this Friday (March 15) and that has prompted the Israeli Health Ministry to postpone the 42K run by one week.

More than 35,000 runners and inline skaters are expected to take part in this year’s sporting race along the beach boardwalk overlooking the Meditterranean Sea and past the city’s famous Bauhaus architecture and verdant parks.

Mayor Ron Huldai told a press conference that the marathon is much more than a race, billing Friday as a “marathon holiday” filled with non-stop parties.

The city invested over $4 million in this year’s happening, which it dubbed the biggest sporting event in Israel. Officials said the marathon is part of the city’s campaign to increase local participation in sports among local residents and keep Tel Aviv on the international destination map.

There are six courses on offer: Full Marathon (postponed to March 22), Half Marathon, 10km Race, 10% Race – 4.2km, Inline Skating Half Marathon and 30K Handcycle Race.

Purse winnings range from $130 to the coveted $4,000.

Earlier this month, some 20,000 people from around the world took part in the Jerusalem Marathon.