- 01
- May
- 2025
Under the patronage of President Joseph Aoun and in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the 21st edition of the Beirut Marathon brought together 15,000 participants from 38 countries. A popular celebration, a cry of hope and an Ethiopian-dominated podium, all wrapped in Lebanese pride.
From dawn, Beirut’s waterfront turned into a colorful human mosaic – cheers, free strides and flags waving in the wind. Under the slogan “Let’s run from the end to the beginning so that Lebanon stands tall,” the 21st Beirut Marathon gave the country a breath of life and a call for peace. The 15,000 runners – including 5,000 invited free of charge – painted a rainbow across the capital’s sky.
A Political and Symbolic Start
Prime Minister Salam himself, accompanied by his wife, kicked off the 5 km race. “A grand festival,” he declared. “Running today symbolically means leaving behind a difficult era and entering a new phase of safety, alongside Presidents Joseph Aoun and Nabih Berri.”
A Solidarity and Community-Driven Run
The 5 km race closed the marathon morning with record participation from partner NGOs – 21 in total – who received a 30% discount on registration fees. Causes and runners moved together in one collective momentum.
Ethiopian Podium and the Lebanese Flag Flying
In the main race, Ethiopian runner Diroba Tsega won the men’s marathon with a time of 2h15’09”, followed by Kenyan Emmanuel Serem (2h17’02”) and fellow Ethiopian Bekele Fetene (2h20’08”).
In the women’s race, it was an Ethiopian sweep: Lemlem Asefa (2h31’04”), Zeuwudinesh Degefa (2h33’08”) and Hawi Regassa (2h36’23”).
Among the Lebanese, veteran Tony Hanna (Let’s Run) took the win in 2h30’58”, ahead of Omar Abou Hamad (Lebanese Army) and Samir Salman (Antonine).
For the women, Chirine Njeim (Inter Lebanon), a Lebanese marathon icon, dominated with 2h50’38”, followed by Kathia Rached (Let’s Run) and Nada Jisr (Inter Lebanon).
Other Winners:
• Men’s Half-Marathon: Charbel Sajaan (1h11’21”)
• Women’s Half-Marathon: Karine Chreim (1h28’20”)
• Para-Athletes Half: Jamal Al Souss (24’04”) – Mona Allahyeb (27’05”)
• 10 km Men: Ali Kanaan (31’09”) – Women: Serena Hayek (39’36”)
• Visually Impaired: Abbas Zeidan (59’19”)
7 Hours of Celebration, 1,000 Volunteers, 0 Incidents
From the starting line to the final stage, the day unfolded in front of many prominent figures: ministers, MPs, ambassadors, artists, military leaders and sports personalities – all welcomed by May al-Khalil, the President of the Beirut Marathon Association, and her team.
From a logistical perspective, the event was backed by 1,000 volunteers, 75 medics, 30 ambulances, 100 caregivers and 400 logistics staff. Lebanon proved once again it can set an example in organization.
A Show Worthy of the Spirit: Saad Ramadan, Dance and LBCI Live
Singer Saad Ramadan lit up the marathon village with a mini concert, followed by choreographed dance performances by Events & More. LBCI broadcast the event live. Even the Lebanese Army joined in with its marching band, launching the festivities with the national anthem.
Beirut Ran, and Beirut Stood Tall
No crisis, no conflict, no fatigue: The 2025 Beirut Marathon once again proved that in this country, we may fall – but we always keep running. And more importantly, we run together.
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