Rishon LeZion Race 2026 and In Shay’s Light
More than a sporting event.
For us, it was another opportunity to keep walking, running, and acting in Shay’s light.
Within the energy of the participants, families, children, runners, and community, we felt once again how sport can be a place of connection, values, perseverance, friendship, and good spirit.
Shay loved sport, loved movement, loved people, and above all knew how to bring light with him wherever he was. That is why it was so moving to see his name and spirit become part of a joyful city event that connects body, heart, and community.
In Shay’s light, we seek to continue creating activities that connect sport and values, memory and life, and one personal story with a shared journey of many. This event, like many others, is part of the ongoing “In Shay’s Light” initiative, which is supported by the Shikma Program of the Hive organization, in partnership with JDC Israel, the National Insurance Funds, and the UJA-Federation of New York.
The Rishon LeZion Race, which returned after a 3-year break, was an impressive event organized by the Rishon LeZion Municipal Company and the Rishon LeZion Municipality.
In addition to the many competitive races, which included Israeli champions and leading runners, several special races were also held: a 1,200-meter race for fifth and sixth grade students, a 2,000-meter community race, and a race for people with special needs, accompanied by runners from ALUF Military Fitness led by Dani Be’eri. The community race included students from many schools in Rishon LeZion, including students from the Realit Gymnasium, who joined the run wearing shirts and carrying flags in Shay Michaeli’s light.
Thank you to everyone who took part, ran, cheered, photographed, hugged, asked, and showed interest.
Every step like this continues the journey.
And a special thank you to Guy Hamui, the photographer who accompanies the family with love, generosity, and all his heart.
You are invited to follow and add @remember_shay_michaeli, and to read about Shay and his legacy on the website.
In Shay’s Light.
