- 09:30
Under the patronage of First Lady Nehmat Aoun, represented by Minister of Youth and Sports Nora Bayrakdarian, Jounieh came alive on Sunday for the Women’s Race organized by the Beirut Marathon Association. Ten thousand participants transformed the city’s historic streets into a ribbon of color, energy, and celebration for the 10th edition of the event, which crowned Nisrine Njeim among women and Ali Mortada among men.
At dawn, the bay of Jounieh took on a new face. Inflatable arches, race barriers, Lebanese flags, and municipal colors lined the course as the city, in collaboration with the Beirut Marathon Association led by May El-Khalil, shifted fully into race mode. Under clear skies and ideal running weather, the first waves of runners set off from the Fouad Chehab complex, cheered on by crowds of families, volunteers, and spectators.
In a festive yet highly professional atmosphere, the Beirut Marathon Association deployed its full expertise: a secured track, clear signage, medical teams on standby, official timing, and a live televised broadcast lasting several hours. On the ground, 10,000 runners of all ages from across Lebanon and abroad gave Jounieh the feel of a running capital.
Nisrine Njeim Strikes Gold, Ali Mortada Takes Command
In the competitive 5K women’s race, the heart of the event, Nisrine Njeim (Inter Lebanon) took the lead early and never looked back. She crossed the finish line in 17:24, becoming the first holder of the national 5K road record, set during this 2025 edition in Jounieh. Behind her, Britain’s Briony Stein (Blue Stars) and Jordan’s Hiba Hammoud completed a podium reflecting the regional and international scope of the race.
On the men’s side, the competitive 5K confirmed the rise of Ali Mortada (Let’s Run), who dominated with steady pace and precision, clocking 15:02 ahead of Mahmoud Abou Zeid and Charbel Sejaan (both Inter Lebanon).
Beyond performance, the spectacle unfolded throughout all race formats: the fun 5K, the parent-child 1K, and the 3K roller course that added flair and speed to the event.
A City as a Stage for Sport, Unity, and Celebration
The official grandstand spoke for itself. Alongside May El-Khalil, vice president Brigadier General Hassan Rostom, association members, and the operational team stood a roster of notable guests: Minister of Youth and Sports Nora Bayrakdarian, Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud, Minister of Social Affairs Hanine Sayed, former Tourism Minister Walid Nassar, MPs Nehmat Frem and Farid El-Khazen, officials from security forces, UNICEF, sports federations, the Lebanese Red Cross, LAU, and many partners.
“I had the honor of representing First Lady Nehmat Aoun,” said Minister Nora Bayrakdarian. “As Minister of Youth and Sports, I continuously support sporting activities that bring together all Lebanese. I commend the First Lady’s initiatives for women in sports, as well as the Beirut Marathon Association’s exceptional professionalism.”
Jounieh’s mayor Fayssal Frem echoed the sentiment:
“Today is a blessed day for Jounieh, which opened its heart to all Lebanese and joined forces with the Beirut Marathon Association to host an event of national, cultural, and touristic importance. Jounieh proves once again that it is a symbol of human development and national unity.”
Running as a Message
For May El-Khalil, the 10th Women's Race is about more than sport:
“We want every woman, every girl, every family to feel what sport can offer: strength, resilience, and hope. As long as there are people running, Lebanon will remain a land of values and human spirit.”
At the finish line, podiums followed one another, medals gleamed, and flags rose high. Performances by Caracalla Dance School electrified the square, while youth gathered in activity tents, including one dedicated to artificial intelligence. The Lebanese Army secured the event, Internal Security Forces managed road closures, and the Red Crescent ensured medical readiness.
When the Finish Line Becomes a Starting Line
The numbers speak clearly: 10,000 bibs, new records, a live broadcast, and streets overflowing with life. But the true legacy lies beyond statistics—in first-time runners crossing the finish line, in children holding their parents’ hands, in a country running together, if only for a morning.
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