TLV Spartanion - About Us TLV Spartanion - About Us TLV Spartanion - About Us
Israel’s only professional 24-hour ultra-marathon event. The race is organized and operated by dozens of volunteers united by one powerful bond: mutual support and a love for running.
The event was founded and is managed by experienced ultra-marathoner Gilad Krauz, who works year-round alongside a steering committee led by Yossi Yahalom, Ayala Shertzer, and Dganit Maka-Krauz to ensure the event’s success.
Our Vision
To introduce more runners to the world of ultra-marathon running
Spartanion Ultra Marathon
Our Team
Spartanion Organizing Team
As with any project, success and sustainability require a dedicated group of passionate individuals. The Spartanion Core Team was formed during the first event and has remained the cornerstone of this race ever since. Four volunteers who work year-round to provide you with an unforgettable 24-hour experience.
Gilad Krauz
After two Israeli races that provided Spartatlon qualifying times were canceled, Gilad made the decision to create a dedicated race for achieving Spartatlon qualification times in Greece. Hence the name ‘Spartanion’ – a combination of ‘Spartatlon’ and ‘criterion.’
After selecting a course and forming an initial team, the first Spartanion was launched in January 2020 and was a tremendous success.
Gilad Krauz, the first Israeli to complete the Spartatlon in Greece in 2012 (and has since finished it four more times), succeeded in creating a family of ‘Spartanioners’ (Spartanion finishers), many of whom went on to fulfill their dream of participating in the Spartatlon in Greece.
Many Spartanion runners return year after year to take on the challenge, and those who aren’t running volunteer to help their friends on the course achieve their goals.
Since 2012, after returning from his first Spartatlon, he has worked to promote ultra-road running and established the Israeli Spartatlon Delegation, which he continues to support and assist runners with each year.
By day, she produces performances for a renowned dance company. In her free time, you’ll find her doing CrossFit or dancing with a dance troupe on any available stage. In the evening, she’s a mother of three children and a partner. Ayala has a huge heart full of giving and love, even in the early hours of the morning. You’ll find her with a large camera, ensuring live race streaming for 24 hours, even when it becomes technically challenging.
By day, he manages construction projects across the country. In his free time, he does almost everything imaginable – from helping runners achieve their dreams through close guidance in races and personal projects (the “I’m In” initiative) to completing one of the world’s toughest ultra-marathons in the Sahara! Yossi will solve any problem and respond to every request with a “yes” first and foremost.
By day, she manages a business selling reusable products, and in her free time, she aspires to return to her addiction to mountain and road biking. However, she’s currently busy being a mother to three daughters and supporting Gilad Krauz (her other half) in helping runners achieve their Spartatlon dreams. In between, she writes and creates websites (yes, she created this one too). She manages Spartanion’s media and social networks. If you’re a journalist or blogger, feel free to contact her.