Are you ready? The countdown to the Beirut Blom Marathon started yesterday, on Thursday September 24, 2009 at the Adnan Kassar Edifice for Arab Economy. The press conference was a very festive one with an orchestra, mimes and even an acrobat. The Marathon is indeed a popular festival with just one message: it’s time to run. 

President of the Beirut Marathon Association May el –Khalil announced that the Marathon will take place on December 6. Many officials were present: Interior Minister and youth’s favorite politician Ziad Baroud, President of the Beirut Municipality Abdel Menem el-Ariss, M. Zaid Khiami, General Manager of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Adnan Kassar, President of General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries. 

This year’s theme: If not now, then when? May el-Khalil is the person behind the yearly rendezvous since 2003. She and her team have one goal: “A gold medal for Lebanon at the 2020 Olympic Games”. Mark Dickinson, the very charismatic Managing Director of the Beirut Marathon Association announced the program: the big innovation is that this year’s Marathon is carbon neutral… that’s definitely something to be proud of! Like every year you can chose the 10K fun run or go all the way and try the 42k run for professionals and amateurs. The Red Cross, Scouts and volunteers will be there to ensure everyone’s safety. 

As he made his way to the lectern, Ziad Baroud got a massive ovation worthy of superstars. “There are two marathons, the Beirut Marathon and another one but we don’t know where the other one is taking us” he said speaking in Arabic, English and French. “Our national sport is not discord or violence. Our culture is that of Maxime Chaaya, Guy Manoukian, Elie Saab and that of the Red Cross”. He concluded: “We all have to run to a common goal: that tomorrow be better than today”. 

Arts and entertainment also go well with sports: Composer Guy Manoukian wrote a song to accompany the athletes in their race. Ilha’ni (follow me) is performed by Lebanese stars such as Nancy Ajram, Youri Mrakkadi and Haifa Wehbe. This year, the trophy is designed by sculptor Raffi Tokatlian. 

You will get all the update on the Blom Beirut Marathon on iloubnan.info.