- 08
- Sep.
- 2025
Last weekend, Beirut put on its running shoes. Two thousand six hundred runners took to the streets of the capital for the second edition of Run the City, organized by the Beirut Marathon Association. Between sporting achievements, a festive atmosphere and patriotic spirit, the city beat to the rhythm of the runners’ footsteps.
A City on the Move
Downtown Beirut came alive at the crack of dawn. The streets echoed with footsteps, applause and cheers of a vibrant crowd. The second edition of Run the City, organized by the Beirut Marathon Association in collaboration with Virgin Unite and the Municipality of Beirut, and under the supervision of the Lebanese Athletics Federation, transformed the capital into a huge open-air track.
Two courses were offered: a competitive 10-kilometer race for experienced athletes and a fun 5-kilometer race open to families, students, associations and schools. The association’s president, May al-Khalil, did not hide her emotion: “Running for peace is the most beautiful message we can send today.”
A Festive and Popular Atmosphere
The race started on Emir Bachir Street, near the Mohammad al-Amine Mosque, and finished at the seaside, on the Beirut waterfront. With music, flags, stands and entertainment, the city vibrated in unison.
The national anthem was sung before a minute of silence in memory of Ziad Rahbani, greeted by a long ovation. Then, the runners set off to thunderous applause, carried by an atmosphere of celebration and collective emotion.
The Champions of the Day
In the competitive 10-kilometer race, the favorites came through:
Men’s ranking – 10 km
1. Ali al-Rida Kanaan (Lebanese Army) – 31'26"
2. Charbel Sejaan (Inter Lebanon) – 31'48"
3. Mahmoud Abou Zeid (Inter Lebanon) – 31'58"
Women's ranking – 10 km
1. Bryony Steyn (Blue Stars) – 38’14’’
2. Karine Shraim (Blue Stars) – 39’08’’
3. Serena Hayek (Inter Lebanon) – 39’10’’
The Run the City record is still held by Zayd al-Sayed, who clocked 30’14’’ in a previous race in Australia.
A 5-km Race Full of Good Cheer
While the athletes competing in the 10-km race were focused on their times, the 5-km fun run was a real celebration. Schoolchildren, families, charities, scouts, NGOs and groups of amateur runners took part in a spirit of sharing and conviviality. “The time didn’t matter, it was a celebration,” says Nada al-Kurdi, a former contributor to Ici Beyrouth and enthusiastic participant, with a smile.
Meticulous Organization
To accommodate such a large crowd, the organizers thought big:
* 150 volunteers mobilized for reception and logistics;
* 35 first aiders from the Lebanese Red Crescent;
* a medical station set up by the Lebanese American University under the supervision of Dr. Rachid Rahmeh;
* total security provided by the Lebanese Army and the ISF.
The Party After the Race
On the seafront, the atmosphere continued into the afternoon. Dancers, DJs, percussionists, charity booths and street food stalls transformed the finish line into a festive and colorful village. The medals were presented one by one by Khalil, to loud applause from an enthusiastic audience. The podiums celebrated the champions, but also all the participants, in a spirit of sharing and solidarity.
Last weekend, Beirut ran. For sport. For peace. For fun. And above all... for the simple joy of being together.
Comments