The Banana Race is back in the juiciest edition ever!
23/5/25, Friday, the most fun, sweet (it's honey, no) and adrenaline-filled race of the year.
A variety of trails at different distances suitable for everyone, with breathtaking views that will blow your mind.
A perfect atmosphere for running or walking – with a banana smile the whole way!
Prizes, surprises and lots of photos for Instagram.
Running in memory of the late Simon Shlomov: The banana race on the Carmel Beach becomes an exciting commemorative tradition
In February 2024, the late paratrooper Simon Shlomov, 20, died in battle in the southern Gaza Strip. Simon, who immigrated to Israel alone from Kazakhstan at the age of 16 as part of the Na'alah program, was accepted into the Meir Shefia Youth Village, where he excelled as a student and athlete on the local running team.
Now, a year after his fall, the traditional banana race on Carmel Beach has become an annual commemorative event in his memory. This is the second year that students, teachers, friends from the company and his adoptive family have participated in the race, as a symbol of life, continuity and love – just as Simon lived and worked.
Commemoration through the sport he loved
Yoram Panias, director of the Meir Shefiya Youth Village, said: "Simon was an integral part of a quality mosaic of young men and women in the youth village – they were called 'the salt of the earth.' Although he was a lone soldier, he was not lonely for a moment. The Kori family, whose mother is a teacher in the village, surrounded him with love. For us, commemorating him through the sport he loved symbolizes continuity even through a breakup."
His heroism – the story of many
The head of the Hof Carmel Regional Council, Asif Isaac, emphasized the significance of the event: "There are three youth villages operating in the Carmel Coast area, where girls and boys who immigrated to Israel on their own are educated. The late Simon Shlomov represents the story of their heroism. He was a true hero, and it is our duty to remember his contribution and tell his story – both in running and in life."
The Banana Race – an experience for the whole family
The Banana Race is an experiential running event that takes place in the Ofer Forest and the banana groves of the Carmel Coast, as part of Shavuot events in the tourism area. The race includes four categories to choose from:
- 2 km popular for families
- 6 km cross-country running
- 12 km cross-country running
- Half Marathon
For all the details and to register – visit the link:
