The 19th edition of the Beirut International Marathon will take place on Sunday morning, in the waterfront area of the capital and the surrounding streets. In addition to the main race of 42.195 kilometers, organized by the "Beirut Marathon Association," there will be accompanying races covering various distances. The association has succeeded in promoting a "running culture" in the country, sharing its experience with neighboring countries that have established marathons named after their cities, inspired by the pioneering experience of Beirut, which has secured Lebanon's place on the map of running races.
Thanks to accumulated experience from previous editions of the Beirut Marathon, the organizing association has managed to increase the number of male and female runners participating in the main race. Many have been encouraged through special programs designed to train runners, the most notable being the 542 program, where experienced coaches prepare runners for both the half-marathon and full marathon through weekly or biweekly sessions in different Lebanese areas.
It is also accurate that few editions of the 19th Beirut Marathon have taken place under "normal conditions." However, the association, which operates with a team and a large group of volunteers, is accustomed to "working under pressure" and facing challenges, as stated by its president, May Khalil (a socialite and runner who was injured in a car accident while running and decided to establish a marathon for Lebanon). "Each edition has had its distinctive mark, but they all share common traits: resilience, determination, perseverance, and striving for a better tomorrow."
This Sunday's race will miss "heavyweight" international guests due to the unstable security situation in the region. Beirut has always been a gateway for global stars, some of whom have achieved legendary status in the marathon and athletics, such as Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, Britons Paula Radcliffe and Lord Sebastian Coe, and Moroccan Nawal El Moutawakel, among others.
Participants with special needs will also have their space in the main race and accompanying races, as well as associations and organizations eager to participate. The race route will bring together the state's pillars through running and encouragement. The previous 18 editions have been "clean" with no recorded accidents, even minor ones.
In the hours leading up to the start on Sunday morning, the participating international professional runners and elite Lebanese athletes will be presented, and the distribution of equipment for race participants will be completed. Roads included in the course will be closed from midnight Saturday to Sunday, reopening only after the official conclusion of the race.
