About The Event

Honoring May El Khalil, Founder & President of the Beirut Marathon Association “As the Middle East fractures under the weight of disparity, the Beirut Marathon continues to unite.” Debra Witt, Runner's World

May El Khalil’s bio

“As the Middle East fractures under the weight of disparity, the Beirut Marathon continues to unite.” Debra Witt, Runner’s World
In 2003, May El-Khalil, a local sports official, decided that it was time to start a marathon in Beirut, open to all, as an antidote to sectarianism. And despite ongoing political and security pressures, the Beirut Marathon, now entering its 12th year, has become not only the largest running event in the Middle East, but a powerful force for peace.
El-Khalil was inspired to start the marathon after a personal tragedy: a near-fatal running accident. Doctors told her she would never run again. She was hospitalized for two years and had to undergo a long series of surgeries. But the resolve from this personal struggle created an event that, each year, draws runners and fans from opposing political and religious communities in a symbolic act of peace. Just last November, more than 36,000 athletes from all over the world ran for Lebanon.