Jerusalem is preparing to host one of Israel’s premier international track and field competitions, with the Jerusalem Grand Slam 2026 set to take place on Thursday, June 25, at the National Stadium in Givat Ram. Around 76 athletes representing 29 countries are expected to compete in the event.
The Jerusalem Municipality and the Israel Athletics Association are jointly involved in organizing the competition, which will draw competitors from Europe, North and South America, and Africa, as well as many of Israel’s top track and field athletes.
Countries with expected participants include the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, Greece, Ukraine, Hungary, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The event’s schedule also features a 4×100-meter relay with national teams from Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland.
Several Israeli athletes are slated to compete, including Blessing Afrifah, Yonatan Kapitolnik, Adva Cohen, Omri Shiff, Romi Tamir, Alina Drotman, and Mercy Afrifah.
For a number of competitors, the meet serves as a critical opportunity to hit qualification standards and accumulate ranking points in preparation for the European Championships in August.
Now in its third straight year, the Jerusalem Grand Slam has steadily grown its international reach while boosting Jerusalem’s standing as a destination for major sporting competitions.
Last year’s event produced a historic moment when Omri Shiff ran the 400-meter hurdles in 49.82 seconds, setting a new Israeli national record and breaking a mark that had stood for 34 years.
Beyond the athletic competition itself, organizers have announced that a family fan zone will be set up at the stadium, providing interactive activities and entertainment for spectators of all ages.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said the event demonstrates “Jerusalem’s growing status on the global sports map,” noting that the city has continued to draw international athletes and invest in sports facilities.
Ami Baran, Chairman of the Israel Athletics Association, said having athletes from 29 countries competing carries “great significance” and reflects ongoing efforts to bring major international sporting events to Israel.
