Beirut Marathon Suspends All Activities Due To Economic Crisis

After 17-years of organizing events, fundraisers, and marathons in Lebanon, the Beirut Marathon Association has announced they are suspending all activities.

In a touching Facebook post published on their page, the association says,

“Friends, with a very heavy heart we inform you that The Beirut Marathon Association has suspended all its activities until further notice due to the crisis caused by the combined effects of the economic crisis followed by the Covid19 pandemic.”



The annual marathon had long been a fun and successful family event that many look forward to, and one that attracts a lot of attention both locally and regionally. It was a great sporting event and one that was inclusionary to all, with many sponsored tickets sold for as little as 10,000 LL. It is sad to see it join the ranks of all the things we are losing in Beirut.

So sad. Even the #BeirutMarathon that has always been a sign for hope and survival is gone. The Lebanon we know is lost. Did we deserve what we had and who is to blame? Is there who cares anyways? pic.twitter.com/OzTlr0lIF0

— Zaven (@Zaven_K) May 11, 2020

Sorry to hear, @Zaven_K. #BeirutMarathon snaked past my Mar Michael home when I lived in #Lebanon. So joyful to see supporters cheer on runners after what seemed like – hours – after the opening gun fired. And of course, there was the après street party. Best of #Lebanesepic.twitter.com/8b7DSTsrY8

— Alphonso Van Marsh (@AlphonsoVM) May 11, 2020