Hebron was located pretty well in the middle of Judah. In Samson’s day it was already the leading city of Judah, and would continue as such for some time afterward, with David being anointed as king there (2 Samuel 2:4; 2 Samuel 5:3), and the place remaining the capital city for seven and a half years (2 Samuel 5:5). Whereas Gaza was at sea level, Hebron was the highest town in Palestine, situated at an altitude of 930 metres above sea level. Samson takes the gates to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. This is roughly forty miles away from Gaza, and an uphill climb the whole way. This was one incredible feat!1
3 But Samson lay till midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city and the two posts, and pulled them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that is in front of Hebron.