4th Beirut International Marathon

[Hassoun]

BEIRUT: The Beirut Marathon Association (BMA) officially announced Tuesday that the 4th Beirut Marathon, under the slogan "For the Love of Lebanon," will take place on November 26. Speaking at a press conference at the Meridien Commodore Hotel, BMA head May Khalil said the race annually attracts renowned athletes and people of all ages and nationalities to Lebanon.

According to the BMA, three separate running contests will be held: a 42-kilometer International Marathon, a 10-kilometer Fun Run and a 5-kilometer Mini Marathon. Those seeking additional race information can log on to www.beirutmarathon.org.

For the occasion, BMA is organizing a competition, in cooperation with Arab Ad Magazine, for Lebanese to send in their versions of an advertising campaign for the marathon, to be sent to the association before October 1.

The winner will be awarded the sum of $500.

For further information, applicants can call 05/959262 or send an e-mail to abdo@beirutmarathon.org.

A Marathon Village will also operate from November 22 to November 25 and will be situated at the Port of Beirut. - The Daily Star

[Beiruti]

Awesome news! Im so glad there will be a 4th Annual, this event is an important part of Lebanon's recovery.

[Hassoun]

yes,it's.i expect this year the participants number will exceed last year's which was the best.

[Beiruti]

[Beiruti]

Marathon Village:

Marathon Village

Date:
Wednesday, 22 November, 2006 till Saturday, 25 November,2006.
From 12:00 noon till 9:00 pm

Place:
Port de Beyrouth

Check the Village Entertainment Program.
Mural at the Marathon Village '06.

Section 1: Registration.

This tent is where the runners come and pick up all their belongings (the goodie bag with the bibs, chips…). People are welcome starting 12.00pm.

Section 2: Exhibition.

Here, any institution wanting to promote its brand, can expose and sell its products to the public.

Situated right at the entrance of the Expo, and therefore at reach to each and every person coming into the tent, will be dedicated to them, in the following tents disposition:


The MAP




Section 3: Entertainment Area.

The Marathon Café is here to welcome all visitors and exhibitors and serve them food and beverages. It is also a perfect place for people to gather and discuss Race Day, NGOs campaigns and debate about whatever is relevant to them.
The Village will be divided to 3 main areas: the NGOs Area, the Exhibitors Quarter and the Medical Division


There is also a daily theme for the Village:

Day 1: Opening of the village

Official ceremony at 5.00pm, with dancing and celebration!

Day 2: NGOs Day, with a special honoring of the Red Cross.

This day is entirely dedicated to all local/international NGOs, to allow them to introduce themselves, their activities, and especially their campaigns For The Love Of Lebanon… Whether in their stands, in the Marathon Café or on stage, NGOs have the opportunity to invite spectators to take part in their debates, demonstrations, presentations, or simply listen to their speeches and watch their documentaries…
A full schedule will be set and promoted previously to the Expo.
The BMA has chosen this day as well to honor the Lebanese Red Cross for its exceptional work during the war and for their never ending and unlimited support of the BMA, through all these years.

Day 3: Environment Day

Lebanon has been massively damaged during the war. Whether the trees, the air or the sea, all aspects of the natural reserve have been affected and will need years of recovery, cleaning, re-planting and rehabilitation.
Let’s show support and respect for Mother Nature! We will provide all facilities required for the broadcast of documentaries, photos, videos, reports, conferences, awareness programs/campaigns, etc… for whoever feels involved in this issue.

Day 4: Athletes and Health Day

This is the perfect time and place for all Medical Institutions to promote their brands, campaigns, products and activities related to Marathon, through sampling, games, promotions, presentations and prizes!

[Beiruti]

[Beiruti]

2006 Beirut Marathon to start on Sunday



The 2006 Beirut International Marathon has been rescheduled for Sunday, The Daily Star reported on Wednesday.

The annual event, and related activities at the Marathon Village leading up to the actual race, will follow a schedule similar to the one mapped out for the original date, Nov. 26.

"We have committed ourselves to stage an international marathon. It's a promise made to runners and our sponsors," Beirut Marathon Association May Khalil was quoted as saying at the village, located next to the Port of Beirut, which will open to the public Wednesday afternoon.

Khalil insisted the marathon will happen as planned, despite the withdrawal of a handful of sponsors, including Cafe Super Brazil.

As of Tuesday, no local registered runners had canceled and three of the six elite international runners had confirmed their participation.

The Beirut International Marathon, originally scheduled on Nov. 26, has been postponed because of the assassination of Lebanese Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel on Nov. 21.

The 4th Beirut Marathon, under the slogan "For the Love of Lebanon," was scheduled to include three separate running contests: a 42.195-km International Marathon, a 10km Fun Run and a 5km Mini Marathon.

Source: Xinhua

[Hassoun]

Marathon Runners Take to the Streets of Beirut Despite Sit-in



Runners took to the streets of Beirut amid high security Sunday for Lebanon's annual marathon, which went ahead despite an open-ended sit-in led by Hizbullah.
Streets were lined with gun-toting soldiers and armored vehicles as the Lebanese army and police deployed en masse to assure security for the event.

The marathon, with the slogan "Run For Lebanon, Run For Life," kicked off under a flurry of balloons and some runners wearing Red Cross T-shirts carried a sign that read "Peace."

Despite the high security, a festive atmosphere prevailed, with some joggers running hand-in-hand with children along the route and street performers seen exchanging banter with army soldiers.

More than 20,000 people had entered either the marathon or the accompanying 10 kilometer event, which was to take place on November 26 but was postponed after the assassination of anti-Syrian Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel five days earlier.

Marathon director Mark Dickinson said Saturday the route of the course had been "slightly modified" due to the opposition protest.(AFP)



Beirut, 03 Dec 06, 12:41

[Ramazzotti]

Life should continue despite the mascarade

[Beiruti]

[Beiruti]

Beirut Marathon organizers thank media for commitment to race


Wednesday, December 06, 2006

BEIRUT: The Beirut Marathon Association (BMA) held a held a luncheon on November 30 to thank members of the media for what organizers said was their unwavering commitment to the 2006 race. The marathon went ahead on December 3 after BMA head May Khalil received assurances that the organizers of the ongoing anti-government sit-in in Downtown Beirut would co-operate with the event. The luncheon saw The Daily Star award a prize for the best Beirut marathon poster.