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3. More Than a Thousand Runners Ring the Bells of the Christmas Race in Jounieh

The Christmas Race in Jounieh brought together 1,250 participants in a festive and athletic atmosphere. Between competitions and moments of sharing, the event celebrated solidarity and hope, uniting runners from all regions of Lebanon.

More than a thousand runners gathered this Sunday in Jounieh to celebrate the spirit of Christmas during the Christmas Race, organized by the Beirut Marathon Association, in collaboration with the municipality of Jounieh and under the supervision of the Lebanese Athletics Federation. This event brought together 1,250 participants, including 250 children from displaced families, around several events:
• 10 km for people with determination
• 5 km competitive for the elite
• 3 km recreational for charitable causes

The starting and finishing points were located at the President Fouad Chehab Sports Complex in Jounieh, with a course passing through several iconic streets of the city, including the old souk with its heritage charm. The event, imbued with a festive Christmas atmosphere, transformed the stadium into a place of joy and conviviality, bringing together participants from all regions of Lebanon.

Presence of Officials and Messages of Hope

From the early hours of the morning, May el-Khalil, president of the Beirut Marathon Association, was present, surrounded by the vice-president of the association, retired General Hassan Roustom, and members of the executive office, including Hassan Mohieddine (secretary-general and media advisor), Rada Sawaf, Bachir Sakka and Thérèse Barbir (executive director). El-Khalil praised the enthusiasm and mobilization of the participants, expressing her hope that this event symbolizes an additional step towards peace, stability and resilience for Lebanon.

Several personalities were also present, including French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, who participated in the 5 km race, Sheikh Juan Hobeiche, president of the Jounieh municipality, Silvio Chiha, water-skiing champion and municipal council member, Wassim Houli,secretary of the Athletics Federation, and Youmna Barbari, representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who supported the participation of people with determination.

Organization and Logistics

To ensure the smooth running of the event, a team of around 300 people was mobilized, led by race director Nael I’rabi, operations manager Françoise Nehme, and course director Patrick Nicolas. Other key personnel included Mahmoud Yazbek (signage), Ana Maria Khoury (coordination with charitable associations) and Vanessa Abou Joudeh (social media), along with 90 dedicated volunteers. The live commentary was provided by journalist Anthony Majdalani.

Race Results

The participants' performances were certified by the referees of the Lebanese Athletics Federation. Here are the main results:
• 5 km race (Men):

1. Ali Kanaan (Lebanese Army) – 14:43
2. Mahmoud Abou Zeid (Inter Lebanon) – 15:01
3. Charbel Sejaan (Inter Lebanon) – 15:02
   • 5 km race (Women):
4. Joanne Makkari (Inter Lebanon) – 17:18
5. Serena Hayek (Inter Lebanon) – 18:47
6. Jennifer Tomazzo (Inter Lebanon) – 19:22
   • 10 km for people with determination (wheelchair):
   o Men:
7. Ahmad El Ghoul – 27:16
8. Ahmad Chibli – 28:35
9. Jamal Soussi – 28:54
   o Women:
10. Mona Allahib – 45:13
11. Mazen Sabbagh – 51:20
12. Nada Khawaja – 52:31
    • Visually impaired (Men):
13. Hassan Hamiyé – 23:05
14. Rabi' El Jamal – 33:16
15. Fadi Homsi – 34:46
    • Visually impaired (Women):
16. Rana Kiwan – 1:01:37

Awards and Festivities

Trophies made of recycled materials, along with medals and cash prizes, were awarded to the winners of the different categories. Commemorative plaques were also offered to several personalities, including the president of the Jounieh municipality and key partners.

The event was supported logistically by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, who secured the roads and accompanied the runners, as well as the medical team of the Lebanese-American University to ensure the participants' safety. Finally, Christmas entertainment and performances added a festive touch to this memorable day.