Beirut Marathon Concludes Preparations for Global Unity Run

The Beirut Marathon has completed final preparations for the One Global Run scheduled for May 23, following a comprehensive planning meeting held with leadership and operational staff.

The gathering brought together Mai Al-Khalil, Chairperson of the Administrative Board; retired Brigadier General Hassan Rustom, Vice-Chairman; Executive Director Samer Makarem; Racing Director Aarabi Nael; and other board members and coordinators, including Treasurer Ghassan Hajjar, Secretary Hassan Mohieldin, and Director of Relations and Protocol Bashir Al-Saqqa.

Operations Director Françoise Nehme detailed the event's readiness during the meeting, noting that advance registration concluded ahead of the May 20 deadline due to overwhelming demand. The participant ceiling was set at 1,500 runners of all ages, with all available race numbers allocated.

Runners will collect their race bibs from May 20 through May 22 at the marathon association's offices in Building 1294 (6th floor) at the Beirut Digital District startup complex on Bishara Street, opposite the Ministry of Finance's Imports Directorate. Collection hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

The One Global Run is a non-competitive international event held simultaneously across 60 countries worldwide on a single unified date, drawing a combined 260,000 male and female participants globally. The Beirut edition will require no road closures given its non-competitive nature.

The race course begins at the Biel Seaside Arena, proceeds along the waterfront to Al Nahda Club in Manara, and returns to the starting point. Four separate races are scheduled:

• 6:30 a.m.: Half marathon (21 kilometers)
• 7:00 a.m.: 10-kilometer race
• 7:30 a.m.: 5-kilometer race
• 8:15 a.m.: 1-kilometer race

An awards ceremony honoring the top three finishers in both men's and women's categories will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Nehme emphasized that organizers have developed a comprehensive medical protocol to ensure participant safety. An operations center directed by Makarem will coordinate efforts among representatives from the Lebanese Army, Internal Security Forces, Lebanese Red Cross, Civil Defense, and the Lebanese American University Medical Center. Support personnel will monitor conditions throughout the race route, with a dedicated hotline available at 151898-70.

In closing remarks, Al-Khalil expressed gratitude to all partner organizations and the organizing team for their commitment to delivering a successful event. She underscored that hosting the marathon amid Lebanon's current challenges represents a message of hope and peace to the international community.