frequently asked questions

What is Team Shalva?
Team Shalva is a fun-filled three day weekend experience, as well as a unique and dedicated training program that unites runners of all backgrounds and ages, helping them prepare to run, walk or a combination of the two in the annual Jerusalem Marathon. Team Shalva is committed to getting you to the finish line of your track goal; full marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K. During the training process, runners raise money for Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
WHAT DOES SHALVA DO?

Shalva's programs provide an all-encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities from infancy through adulthood and their families. Cutting-edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social and recreational activities, employment training, independent living and respite programs are all provided by Shalva to enable children with disabilities to thrive within the family framework. Shalva gives equal access opportunity to all participants regardless of religion, ethnic background, or financial capacity. Through nearly three decades of award-winning programs, Shalva has become an indispensable element of Israel's kindhearted and innovative landscape.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN TEAM SHALVA?
Team Shalva is the ultimate win-win experience. You get the reward of choosing a goal and crossing your finish line with a well-earned sense of accomplishment. You get to help hundreds of Shalva kids and their family members get all the services and support they need, all while being a part of the Jerusalem Marathon's largest team and everything that entails (parties, friendships and many amazing experiences).
WHAT'S THE EXPERIENCE REALLY LIKE?
To get a glimpse of the Team Shalva experience, please visit the Media page where you can watch videos, see pictures and read testimonials from past years.
DO I NEED TO RUN A FULL MARATHON TO JOIN TEAM SHALVA?
No way! Whether you're a novice or a year-long runner, you have a place in Team Shalva. Every year there are Team Shalva participants in all of the following tracks: full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K. Pick one and go for it – and be sure to make use of our online training schedules for all levels, and our virtual running coach.
Can I change my race track once I've registered?
Yes, you can still change your track once you've registered. You will receive an email from us with a reminder regarding the final deadline to revise your track.
WHEN DO I START TRAINING?
Depending on your current fitness level, training starts approximately three to four months before race day. We invite you to take advantage of our online training schedules for all levels, and our virtual running coach.
HOW WILL I MAKE IT TO THE FINISH LINE?
You aren't alone – many of our runners are first timers! Whether this is your first race, or you do triathlons every month, the combination of preparing for your selected track, with the enthusiasm for being part of such a great cause will be the impetus to get you over the finish line. Once registered, you will have access to various running schedules which have been carefully researched and tested. Plus, the team coach is available to you via email correspondence. Following your training schedule diligently, you, along with the other Team Shalva runners, will cross the finish line and enjoy the well-deserved Team Shalva Victory Party.
WHAT IS THE community RUN?
  • The 800-meter community race was a Shalva initiative that started over 10 years ago.
  • Today it's the track for thousands of children, soldiers and community members running side by side with children with disabilities.
  • When the need for a disability-accessible track arose it was Shalva who answered the call by launching the Community Race together with the city of Jerusalem. Through our efforts, runners of all abilities now run together as a symbol of a unified and accepting culture.
  • Team Shalva runners are encouraged to join the Community Run either pre or post their race, for a most inspiring experience.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT?
To find out your minimum fundraising requirement, please go to the Join page and select your country and runner category.
HOW WILL I FUNDRAISE?
You will be pleasantly surprised to see that fundraising for Shalva is not difficult and it is even fun! Once you sign up, you'll gain access to lots of proven fundraising tips and ideas which will help you fundraise amongst your family, friends, business associates, etc. When people hear about your undertaking and dedicated commitment to Shalva and the wonderful organization it is, they are very supportive and receptive to making a donation.
HOW DO MY SPONSORS MAKE A DONATION?
It is extremely easy to make donations with the Team Shalva website (run4shalva.org) using any major credit card. Checks may be mailed to the Shalva office together with the check processing form which you can download on the website (on the left side menu when logged in). We are NOT accepting cash.
Can my sponsors donate through Facebook or GoFundMe?
No, sponsors are to donate only through the run4shalva.org website or by check. Donations made through any other platform will not be counted towards your fundraising campaign.
I HAVE FRIENDS WORLDWIDE. WHAT CURRENCIES ARE ACCEPTED?
Donations can be made in US$, CDN$, GBP, and NIS.
WILL I BE NOTIFIED WHEN I AM SPONSORED?
Yes, you will receive an automatic email notification. In addition, you can always log into your personal account and select from the left menu "View Sponsors" or "Export Sponsors" where all your donors will be listed.
How and when do I recommit?
Recommitment is when you finalize your commitment to the Team Shalva project which takes place through your account on run4shalva.org. And don’t worry, you will receive an email reminding you before the deadline.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TEAM SHALVA PACKAGE?

An unparalleled weekend of fun and inspiration, meeting amazing people, and making new friends, all of whom are uniting for Shalva's children.

Once you have reached your minimum fundraising requirement, the Team Shalva experience includes:

  • Round trip airfare (economy class) to Israel (international participants only)
  • Three nights hotel accommodations with full Israeli breakfast from Thursday, March 20th to Sunday, March 23rd (international participants only)
  • Ground transportation for Team Shalva group flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport
  • Pre-race Pasta Party and post-race Victory Party
  • An exciting and inspirational Shabbat in Jerusalem with hundreds of other runners, including all meals (international participants only)
  • Guaranteed race admission and payment of all the associated fees
  • Team Shalva swag bag, a Team Shalva wicking t-shirt and the official Jerusalem Marathon t-shirt
  • A meaningful and informative tour of the Shalva National Center
  • Training tools: Online training schedules and an email platform for correspondence with the team's coach
  • Fundraising tools: A personal fundraising web page, sample fundraising and thank you letters, fundraising tips and ideas, and detailed lists of donations received

WHAT IS THE WEEKEND ITINERARY?

2025 ITINERARY: TBA

2024 ITINERARY:

Wednesday - March 6, 2024

  • Depart for Israel

Thursday – March 7, 2024

  • Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport
  • Depart for Jerusalem
  • Check-in at hotel
  • Depart for Shalva - tour of the stunning Shalva National Center followed by opening ceremony
  • Epic Team Shalva Pasta Party with Shalva kids
  • Return to hotel

Friday – March 8, 2024 - Marathon Day!

  • Early Israeli breakfast
  • Traditional Festive Celebration at start line
  • 800 meter Community Run with the Shalva kids, participate in your selected track
  • Victory Party
  • Return to hotel
  • Depart hotel for Kotel for "Pre-Shabbat" concert and dancing
  • Return to hotel for Kabbalat Shabbat and Festive Friday night dinner
  • Shabbat Dinner with inspirational guest speakers

Saturday-Shabbat - March 9, 2024

  • Israeli breakfast
  • Shacharis
  • Shabbat lunch with guest speakers
  • Mincha/Maariv
  • Havdalah Concert
  • Saturday Night Live on Ben Yehudah Street
  • Return to hotel

Sunday – March 10, 2024

  • Early Israeli breakfast
  • Check-out hotel which will hold bags for late night return flights to USA
  • GAP Year Fair at Shalva – It is never to early to meet the schools and explore all your options and learn about which program is right for you!
  • Depart Shalva for optional tours
  • Lehitraot: Depart for airport- Time to say goodbye and start dreaming about Team Shalva 2025.
DO YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PERSON ON STAFF?
Team Shalva has a dedicated medic on staff.
I'm ready, what's my first step?
Congratulations! Click here to register and gain immediate access to all the tools and information provided and begin your journey towards an amazingly fun and inspiring 3-day experience! We're so excited to welcome you to the Team Shalva family!