NIKE NIGHT RUN TEL AVIV
On November 1, 2011, I completed a 10K night race in arguably the most vibrant and beautiful city in the world. While I have played football (soccer) all my life, I had yet to participate in any organized race. Not knowing what to expect, I was eager to begin my first 10K.
When I arrived to Rabin Square I saw thousands of people wearing the yellow Nike Night Run Tel Aviv T-Shirt. There was live music and heaps of energetic people warming up for the run. As I looked on the stage, there were volunteers demonstrating how to warm up and motivating the crowd. The DJ was playing music while dancers wearing neon colored latex costumes danced on the stage.
The race began with a cluster of anxious runners like myself. As I broke through the first mob, I enjoyed spacious surroundings for the first few kilometers. My initial thought was how remarkable it felt to be living in Tel Aviv and running along the streets at night with thousands of other people. As I was running, I saw the kilometer markers; each with another DJ playing music and motivating tired runners.
During the run, I was amazed to see how organized the entire race was. While I entered with the perception that Israeli events are often hectic and disorganized, I was pleasantly surprised to see structure and instruction throughout.
I was filled with excitement as I saw the last bright sign from afar reading ‘Finish Line.’ I weaved myself around people doing one last sprint to the end. As I finished, I heard all the names of the runners who had just finished. I listened closely and heard my name and was proud to be part of this amazing run. Everyone around me was cheering and clapping and had bright smiles on their faces. As I followed everyone in front of me, I was thrilled to see the volunteers handing out water, nature valley bars (my favorite), ice cream, and yogurt. The highlight of the event was receiving a medal to commemorate the completion of the run. I am now the proud owner of a medal that reads, “I AM A NIGHTRUNNER 10K.”
Looking for my friends after the race turned out to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Ultimately, I decided to walk home by myself. Not knowing where I was, I managed to say in my broken Hebrew, “Eifo King George Street?” A helpful runner pointed in the direction and I was able to find my way home.
While walking back to my apartment, I was approached by numerous people asking me how the race went. A group of Australians stopped me and asked if they could purchase my Nike Night Run T-Shirt, which I declined saying, “There is no price for this shirt.” I am confident that this shirt will always bring back memories of this special night of what I now consider being one of my most exciting nights in Israel.
