An inspiring race — a real coming together of this sometimes divided city. In 2022, it had not yet got back to its pre-pandemic peak in terms of size, but … MORE
An inspiring race — a real coming together of this sometimes divided city. In 2022, it had not yet got back to its pre-pandemic peak in terms of size, but it was still a vibrant event. Not too difficult a course — some hills, but nothing too hard. Fairly varied urban landscape. Good crowd support in parts. Well organized. I even placed 3rd in my Division and was sent a handsome trophy! See my full race and trip report with advice to runners here: https://www.flyrun.fun/p/beirut-half-marathon-2022
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Inspiring, vibrant race
An inspiring race — a real coming together of this sometimes divided city. In 2022, it had not yet got back to its pre-pandemic peak in terms of size, but … MORE
An inspiring race — a real coming together of this sometimes divided city. In 2022, it had not yet got back to its pre-pandemic peak in terms of size, but it was still a vibrant event. Not too difficult a course — some hills, but nothing too hard. Fairly varied urban landscape. Good crowd support in parts. Well organized. I even placed 3rd in my Division and was sent a handsome trophy! See my full race and trip report with advice to runners here: https://www.flyrun.fun/p/beirut-half-marathon-2022
Biggest racing event in Middle East
... and yet the race feels small. Why? Because less than 6 out of 47.5k runners actually finish the full and half marathon. Most of the runners are local families … MORE
… and yet the race feels small. Why? Because less than 6 out of 47.5k runners actually finish the full and half marathon. Most of the runners are local families and school kids doing the 8k / fun race.
I just got back from Lebanon and still have to sort my impressions. Many people have false impressions: the country is very welcoming but the society is diverse and partially you will see remains of the civil war next to hyper modern buildings. Beirut felt super safe to me, not even at night did I feels once unsafe. Uber is available but roaming/ finding WiFi can be troublesome in some areas.
The marathon was founded by May al Khalil who was badly hurt when a truck struck her jogging and almost killed her. After time in coma and numerous operations she wanted to change the mindset of people and wanted to spread peace through running as well as a health message. (May even got award with a Laureus Sports Award for her engagement).
But back to the race: the small expo (only for the half/ full and international runners) featured some races and food as well as an partially interactive show / sports lessons on stage. The race started at the waterfront in waves (full at 6:30/ half at 7am and led the runners along the corniche (promenade) into more industrial and residential areas. Many parts had “out and back” loops where you could see fellow runners racing in the different direction. Some bridges and mild up/downhills but still relatively flat (event record for men around 2:10:40). Plenty of water stops in mild temperatures (around 17-20 degrees centigrade). Some clubs and sponsors put up tents and music but not a “heavily crowd-supported race”. The finish is at martyrs square with views to St George cathedral and mosque Mohammed al amin.
I had the honour and pleasure to be part of a “guests delegation” and met the elite runners as well as race officials and race organisers from all over the world which was super inspiring. Though there were some minor flaws in the organisation, I give the race including the experience of Beirut a 5* rating (especially knowing that everybody involved put extra power into the event after two budget cuts).