Running down a dream in Tel Aviv

The Israel Athletics Association, which organized the event, is hoping to emulate the widespread global success of the 5X5 relay race.

By ALLON SINAI
5x5 race runners in Tel Aviv (photo credit: AMIT SCHUSSEL)
5x5 race runners in Tel Aviv
(photo credit: AMIT SCHUSSEL)
Over 400 runners and 80 different teams took part in Israel’s first 5X5 relay race at the Sportek in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
Each team consisted of five runners who completed five kilometers each. The Israel Athletics Association, which organized the event, is hoping to emulate the widespread global success of the 5X5 relay race. Earlier this year, some 125,000 people took part in the race in Copenhagen, where the event is held over five days.
The race has also become a big commercial success around the world, and the IAA believes Israel could be the next destination to adopt the craze. ‘This is the beginning of a new tradition,’ said IAA chairman Doron Kofman. ‘This isn’t just a sporting experience, but also a social experience.’