Team SHALVA Sports over 100 Runners in 2nd Jerusalem Marathon

WHEN ‘DOING GOOD’, THERE IS NO FINISH LINE!

 Jerusalem, Israel, March 2012: Over 100 runners on Team SHALVA braved intermittent hail, rain, heavy winds and even a few snow flurries this past Friday, March 16, while joining with thousands of other participants in the Second Annual International Jerusalem Marathon.  The yearly event is the brain-child of Mayor Nir Barkat who is himself, a seasoned marathon runner.  This year’s event attracted more that 14,000 runners from both Israel and overseas; a large contingent of police officers provided ample security for both runners and spectators. 

SHALVA runners arrived at the start line at 6:30 a.m. full of energy and excitement, awaiting in anticipation for the7:00 a.m. kick-off.  The skies held little promise and, in fact, seemed to grow darker with each passing moment.  But motivated by their long months of fundraising and training, runners mustered the required enthusiasm and took off, smiling as they ran across the city known for its beauty and challenging terrain.  Along the way, they took in important historical and visually spectacular sites of the city including  the Old City, the Sultan's Pool, Mount Zion, the Knesset, German Colony, majestic Rehavia, Ammunition Hill, Sacher Park and Mount Scopus.  Pilates instructor Warren Stone from the UK was running for SHALVA in his first Half Marathon and commented, "This was an experience that I will never forget. A group of inspirational positive people, in the most magical city in the world. SHALVA, you made it happen; thank you all”. Warren's enthusiasm echoed the feeling of the entire group of 106 runners who formed Team SHALVA.  

Damon Mathias and Emily Beaver from Dallas, Texas running in their first marathon ever, dedicating their efforts to SHALVA’s children with special needs,  tackling the grueling full marathon.  "There was really good camaraderie among those of us who were among the last to finish," said Emily.  "It really helped me when things got difficult."

SHALVA’s children with special needs had their own special ‘training program’ two days before the race with star players from Jerusalem’s HaPoel Basketball Team and Beitar Yerushalayim Soccer Team.  Running together on a 400 meter course, the athletes were visibly moved by the joy and laughter displayed by SHALVA’s delightful, appreciative youngsters. 

Enthusiastic Corporate Sponsors underwrote the cost of round trip airfare and three day hotel accommodations at the Jerusalem Crowne Plaza for North American runners who raised a minimum of $3,600.   And by accessing a beautiful, user-friendly website (www.run4shalva.org), SHALVA runners were provided with training tools and 24/7 access to the Team Coach and fundraising assistance along with information regarding the pre-race “Meet & Greet” Pasta Party, post-race Victory Party and various municipal happenings.  Team SHALVA participants were presented with a running shirt and other goodies upon visiting the facility. They partook in an inspiring tour of SHALVA and learned, first-hand, about the work they do and ensuring a better life for countless babies, children and entire families.   

It was truly an exciting, fun-filled weekend where valuable friendships were formed.  The experience was so powerful, in fact, that many of the runners have already committed to next year’s Team SHALVA at the 3rd Annual International Jerusalem Marathon.    Promising to bring along their running-friends and family members, Team SHALVA staff is wasting no time in preparing for a bigger and even better showing along the streets of Jerusalem on March 1, 2013!

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For further information about SHALVA-The Association for Mentally & Physically Challenged Children in Israel (www.shalva.org) or Team SHALVA (www.run4shalva.org), please contact Leo Klein, Director, American Friends of SHALVA at 212-725-0900.