As the Lebanese anti-government protests continue and reach their 34th day, the media department at the Beirut Marathon issued a statement announcing that it has canceled the 2019 marathon that was set to be held on November 10 postponing it to November 8 of 2020.
@beirutmarathon“In light of the current events that our beloved country Lebanon is witnessing, the Beirut Marathon Association has decided to postpone its main event, BLOM BANK BEIRUT MARATHON, which was initially scheduled to take place on November 10,” the statement read.
In the statement, the association explained that “All Registered participants will be fully reimbursed once the banking system in Lebanon allows it. The time and place, alongside further details concerning reimbursement, will be communicated as soon as the situation is clearer.”
It also expressed that the association “is deeply hurt by the decision and all the implications that came with it from financial, logistics and administrative considerations,” and apologized “to the running community, partners, volunteers, sponsors, NGOs and the society in general.”
The Beirut Marathon association also promised to “renew its commitment to grow the running culture in Lebanon through its targeted programs and multiple races held throughout the year, and reconfirms the date of the international marathon in Beirut on November 8, 2020,” praying “for a united Lebanon full of wellbeing, prosperity and stability.”
The Beirut Marathon is an annual event that takes place in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded by May El Khalil, who brought the running culture to Lebanon. The first-ever Marathon was held on October 19th, 2003 and attracted over 6,000 runners from 49 countries, and tens of thousands of Lebanese and international spectators.
The Beirut Marathon Association organizes many races, including the yearly Youth Race, Women’s Race, Half Marathon, and Beirut International Marathon, building the running community and culture across Lebanon with the message of peace and love.
Lebanon has been witnessing, and for 34 days now, a huge wave of protests across many areas as women and men, youth, children, clerics, and elders from all sects and classes have been dynamically protesting after years of anger over the social, economic and financial crisis.
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