Lonah Chemtai Salpeter Smashes 15km Course Record at Eyal Race
Lonah Chemtai Salpeter broke the women's 15km course record at the 25th Eyal Race in Ramat HaSharon, clocking 52:27. Zamno Mulugeta won the men's division with 45:43.
Thousands of runners from across the country participated in the 25th Eyal Race in Ramat HaSharon on Saturday morning, highlighted by a new women's 15km course record set by Lonah Chemtai Salpeter.
Salpeter, a European champion, World Championships bronze medalist, and Tokyo Marathon winner, crossed the finish line in 52 minutes and 27 seconds, breaking Elena Dolinin's previous course record of 52:48 set in 2016. Keran Halabi, an Israeli record holder and the first Druze female athlete to hold a national athletics record, finished second in the women's division.
In the men's 15km race, Zamno Mulugeta secured victory with a time of 45:43, carrying a banner calling for the return of missing youngster Haymanot Kasau, which read: "Bringing Haymanot home." Mulugeta, the Israeli 3,000m steeplechase champion, arrived in Ramat HaSharon in peak condition following a time of 8:33.69 in Belgium. Haimro Alame finished second with a time of 46:10 and was crowned King of the Climb.
Legacy and Community Participation
Named the Eyal Race—Israel's family race—the annual event honors the memory of Eyal Shmueli, a runner and Golani Brigade combat fitness instructor who was the son of Zehava Shmueli, Israel's first Olympic female marathoner at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Zehava Shmueli, a pioneering figure in women's long-distance running, founded and continues to lead the event.
Speaking at the memorial ceremony, Zehava Shmueli emphasized the significance of this year's gathering: "The Eyal Race is a memorial event, and we are proud to dedicate this year's race to all the soldiers and fighters thanks to whom we are able to stand here today."
The starting line also featured prominent community groups, including "Gamani Ratzah" (I Too Run), an initiative founded by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Omri Padan for women fighting and recovering from breast cancer, and "Brothers for Life," an organization supporting IDF combat veterans wounded in battle who are rehabilitating through sports.
