Thousands Participate in 'Race of Hope' in Western Negev
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Thousands of runners participated in the first 'Race of Hope 2026' in the Western Negev on Friday, running routes that passed by memorial sites from the October 7th attacks. The event, organized by Marathon Israel and supported by Harel Insurance and the Eshkol Regional Council, aimed to foster remembrance and hope. Organizers envision it becoming an annual international event to support the region and remember the events of October 7th.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thousands of runners participated in the inaugural 'Race of Hope 2026' in Israel's Western Negev.
- The race routes passed by memorial sites from the October 7th attacks, including the Nova festival site.
- The event was organized by Marathon Israel and initiated by Kibbutz Be'eri resident Aya Medan.
- Harel Insurance and Finance was the main sponsor, with support from the Eshkol Regional Council and others.
- Organizers aim for the race to become an annual international event promoting remembrance and regional support.
Thousands of runners from across Israel gathered in the Western Negev on Friday for the inaugural 'Race of Hope 2026.' The event, organized by Marathon Israel and initiated by Kibbutz Be'eri resident Aya Medan, aimed to foster remembrance, hope, and resilience.
The race, which started and ended near Kibbutz Be'eri's yellow gate, featured four routes ranging from 3 km to 22 km. Participants ran through agricultural fields and passed by memorial sites related to the October 7th attacks, including the Nova music festival massacre site in the Re'im forest. Content stations along the routes focused on remembrance, renewal, and the return to life in the region.
The event was sponsored by Harel Insurance and Finance and supported by the Eshkol Regional Council, KKL-JNF, the Maccabiah, the Tkuama Administration, and the Ministry of Culture and Sport. Following the race, participants enjoyed a local farmers' market featuring products from the Western Negev, alongside performances by regional artists, intended to connect runners with local businesses and creators.
Ofer Padan, CEO of Marathon Israel, described the race as one of the most moving events they have organized, symbolizing hope, strength, and revival. He envisioned the Race of Hope becoming an annual international event, drawing runners globally to learn about the region, remember October 7th, and support its residents.
Aya Medan emphasized the significance of thousands coming to run in the Western Negev, highlighting the area's transformation since October 7th and the race's role in showcasing both the community's experiences and its renewal efforts. Adam Polchack of Harel Insurance noted the impressive turnout as a testament to the Israeli society's strength in uniting, remembering, and looking forward with hope.
Michal Ouziahu, Head of the Eshkol Regional Council, expressed deep emotion seeing the community's fields filled with runners. She stated the race tells the story of Eshkol, acknowledging the enduring pain of loss but also celebrating the ongoing life, rebuilding communities, and hope for a better future.
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