The 15
th
edition of
was held on Sunday. Thousands of people from Lebanon and abroad took part in this national sports event. History was made on that day! Rabih El Jammal, a legally blind Lebanese man, completed the 42-kilometer course accompanied by his running partner Mary Kleyany, an experienced marathon runner. However, achieving this goal was not easy. Mary was doing double the effort: she was running the marathon, and guiding a blind man. She did an extensive research and found out that a relationship based on trust is essential to the blind person and the guide. Rabih was making triple the effort due to his condition. Their story inspired other people to take up the challenge. The Founder and the President of Beirut Marathon Association May Al Khalil said that Rabih is a role model and an inspiration to the people who have disabilities. Rabih wants to encourage blind people to run because it’s a great experience. As for Mary, she wants to start a running group for blind people. Kudos to Rabih and Mary!
