Chemtai Salpeter and Mulugeta Win Israeli 10K Titles at Nesher Race

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter and Zamno Mulugeta clinched the Israeli 10K titles at the fourth Nesher Race on Friday. Chemtai Salpeter, representing Maccabi Tel Aviv, dominated the women's division with a time of 33 minutes and 53 seconds. In the men's race, Mulugeta crossed the finish line first in 30 minutes and 32 seconds.

Mulugeta, who holds the second-fastest time ever by an Israeli over this distance, broke away from competitors Amitai Yona and Harel Shein in the closing stages to secure the victory. Yona took second place in 30:42, while Shein finished third in 31:01. Meanwhile, Chemtai Salpeter demonstrated clear superiority in the women's category, followed by Hadar Ophir Forer in second with 34:38 and Daniel Almagor in third with 36:26.

The event also featured a historic performance in the 5K race, where Arbel Hanzel of Lider Jerusalem set a new Israeli youth record of 14 minutes and 40 seconds. Hanzel shaved two seconds off the previous record held by Adisu Guadia since 2019. Raz Sharon won the women's 5K event in 17:42.

The competition opened with a moving tribute to Staff Sergeant Ron Epstein, a local Nesher resident who fell during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Participants and organizers observed a minute of applause before the 2.5K race dedicated to his memory, honoring his sacrifice alongside the day's athletic milestones.