Beirut: The Beirut Marathon Association orchestrated its 21st annual marathon under the auspices of President General Joseph Aoun and in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and his wife, Sahar Baassiri Salam. The event saw fifteen thousand runners from 38 countries converge in Beirut, embodying a spirit of unity and resilience against adversity.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the marathon served as a beacon of hope, showcasing Lebanon's vibrant spirit and its citizens' quest for peace amid challenging circumstances. The Beirut waterfront transformed into a lively celebration of life, reflecting Lebanon's enduring legacy of culture and creativity. Prime Minister Salam inaugurated the 5km race, emphasizing the event as a harbinger of a new era of security and stability for the country.
The marathon, which spanned over seven hours, attracted a diverse crowd, including government officials, ministers, and civil society representatives, all warmly welcomed by Beirut Marathon Association Head, May El-Khalil. Despite the lack of new records, the participation of a new generation of foreign athletes fostered a competitive spirit alongside Lebanese runners.
In the men's marathon, Ethiopia's Deriba Tsega claimed victory with a time of 2:15:09, followed by Kenya's Emmanuel Serem and Ethiopia's Bekele Fitene. On the women's side, Lamem Assefa of Ethiopia led the pack, completing the race in 2:31:04. Among Lebanese runners, Toni Hanna and Sherine Njeim emerged as the top performers in their respective categories.
The half marathon and 10K races also witnessed impressive performances, with Charbel Sejaan and Karen Shreim winning the half marathon for men and women, respectively. Ali Kanaan and Serena Hayek triumphed in the 10K race.
The event concluded with an award ceremony for the winners, while the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) provided live coverage, offering real-time updates and insights. The Lebanese Army Band added to the festivities by playing the national anthem, marking the commencement of the marathon.