Nev Schulman to Run Jerusalem Half Marathon Supporting Athletes with Disabilities

Jewish-American television host and producer Yaniv “Nev” Schulman, widely known for the hit series Catfish, is headed to Israel to run the half marathon in the International Jerusalem Winner Marathon on April 4. His mission: to champion inclusivity in sports and support athletes with disabilities.

Joining him will be his wife, Laura Perlongo, as the couple partners with Eye Contact, an Israeli organization that empowers visually impaired runners by pairing them with sighted guides. Founded under the Jerusalem Institute for the Blind (Beit Chinuch Ivrim), Eye Contact is more than a running group it’s a movement promoting perseverance, solidarity, and equal opportunity.

“I’ve had the good fortune of visiting Israel many times over the years and have always felt included and embraced by its vibrant culture and community,” Schulman said. “It feels great to be participating in that culture and contributing to it in a meaningful way for the first time. I’m truly honored to be a part of this race and humbled by the amazing work that Eye Contact is doing to support athletes with disabilities.”

An avid runner since 2015, Schulman has completed marathons around the world, using each race to raise awareness for social causes close to his heart. He sees the Jerusalem marathon as a powerful platform to spotlight the achievements of athletes with disabilities and elevate the conversation around accessibility in sports.

Eye Contact has built a strong community of blind and visually impaired runners who participate in over 15 races annually with volunteer guides. Their mission isn’t just about athletic performance it’s about building confidence, connection, and shared accomplishment.

For Schulman, the Jerusalem run isn’t just another race it’s a way to give back to a country he deeply admires while aligning with his global advocacy for inclusion. His participation reflects both his personal connection to Israel and his broader belief in using visibility and action to drive social change.

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