Tel Aviv Love Race: Inspiring Stories of Omri Rosenblit and Shahar Joss

This coming Thursday, Tel Aviv will host the annual "Singles Run" — the city's signature love race, expected to draw thousands of single runners and couples from across the country. Ahead of the main event, an extraordinary 24-hour treadmill challenge took place on the Tel Aviv promenade over the weekend. For a full day and night, a new runner took over the treadmill every 30 minutes to keep the momentum going. Among the athletes, fitness coaches, and influencers, two inspiring stories of resilience stood out.

Omri Rosenblit: "I'm Here to Lift You Up, and You'll Lift Me"

Omri Rosenblit, a star of the reality show "The Amazing Race Israel" and a combat veteran who lost his leg during the fighting in the Gaza Strip, will officially kick off the race this Thursday. He has since become a symbol of strength and determination.

Rosenblit shared his thoughts on the local running culture:

"I heard that in Tel Aviv's running clubs, there is a crazy scene that is basically a cover for dating meetups. Maybe I'll find out and check it out myself."

When asked if women try to flirt with him while running, he admitted he stays highly focused: "When I run, I am locked in. It is hard to approach me. I am not in the shape I was before my injury, so I cannot easily spare the energy for socializing — I am in a deep mental zone."

For those struggling to find the motivation to get off the couch, Rosenblit offers a clear piece of advice:

"First of all, make plans with another person. When you are alone, it is much easier to give up — that is the number one tip. Once you have made plans, set a goal. For the first time since my injury, I am going to run two consecutive kilometers. I have no idea if I will make it, but I am going to succeed because it is a goal I set for myself."

He hopes his journey inspires others facing hardships: "I know people going through tough times will read this. Seeing someone like me who was injured and lost a leg still taking on the challenge means a lot. Life is not easy for any of us, but let's enjoy it and lift each other up. I am here to lift you up, and you will lift me."

Marathoner Shahar Joss: "I Was Broken, but the Key Is Consistency"

Another remarkable story from the promenade challenge is that of 29-year-old marathon runner Shahar Joss, who celebrated a decade of victory over cancer.

Joss recalled her diagnosis and recovery:

"Right now, I am celebrating a ten-year milestone. At age 19, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I was in my pre-military service year when the diagnosis came after a difficult period. I went through seven months of chemotherapy, and a month after it ended, I decided I wanted to run again — initially using inhalers. Two years later, I ditched the inhaler, and today I am running here."

Her return to fitness was a gradual process. She remembers being devastated when she could barely walk five kilometers, having run a half-marathon just a year prior. She started with a walk-run routine, beginning with two-minute intervals. A year later, she completed her first 10k, followed by a half-marathon three years after that. Today, she has completed five full marathons, with her sights set on the Valencia Marathon this December.

Joss also shared a humorous dating anecdote:

"We matched on a dating app, and he said, 'I'll join you for a run tomorrow.' I said, 'Cool, come along,' not expecting him to actually show up. He did show up and ran 12 kilometers with me, even though he had never run in his life! There was no second date — I think he just hated me after that."

Her ultimate tip for the upcoming race is consistency: "At first it is hard, then it becomes fun. Also, run with other people. It makes the run so much easier."

About the Event

The "Singles Run" love race will take place for the fourth time on September 10, 2026. This unique social sporting event combines physical activity, live music, and dating zones in an open, informal atmosphere. The event is organized in collaboration with the Yedioth Ahronoth Group and the RGE Media Group.