Thursday, June 18, 2009
BMA and BLOM Bank another three years
In a press conference held at BLOM Bank Head Offices on Wednesday June 17, the Beirut Marathon Association and BLOM Bank officially announced another three years of flourishing partnership (2010 – 2011 – 2012)
Friday, May 29, 2009
the BMA honoring Maxime Chaaya
The Beirut Marathon Association represented by Mrs. May El Khalil and BMA Team honored Maxime Chaaya for his achievement which he was able to raise the Lebanese flag on the highest summit in the North Pole at the BMA offices in Hazmieh.
Maxime is a member of the BMA Board of trustees in addition to being one of the first to support and participate in our marathons and races.
Monday, May 11, 2009
HSBC EarthRace09 - Race Day
HSBC EarthRace09 race day April 26th, 2009
Down Town - Beirut
Half Marathon 21KM
results:
Men:
Daoud Mostafa
1:12:30
Jenbere Negatu Tegegn
1:13:05
Nouri Chekhyor
1:13:50
Daoud Mostafa
1:12:30
Jenbere Negatu Tegegn
1:13:05
Nouri Chekhyor
1:13:50
Women:
Elga Trad
1:36:53
Melissa Rizk
1:37:19
Frances Guy
1:37:50
Thursday, April 9, 2009
TransLebanon Ultra2009 team visit the Lebanese President
The Lebanese President Michel Suleiman welcomed the Beirut Marathon Association Team and Members in the occasion of their successful organization of the Trans Lebanon Ultra 2009.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
BMA Team meets the Scout Leaders
The BMA Team met with the Scout Leaders Nabil Beydoun and Hammad Faraj of the Lebanese Scouting Association and the Lebanese Army Coordinator Col Hassan Rustom to coordinate the smooth organization of the HSBC Earth Race.
There will be over 650 scouts on the road on race day to ensure the closure of roads is done for the safety of runners and that the public are made of aware of the race. Their role is also a very important one in encouraging runners along the course, cheering and providing music for entertainment as people participate in this great race.
There will be over 650 scouts on the road on race day to ensure the closure of roads is done for the safety of runners and that the public are made of aware of the race. Their role is also a very important one in encouraging runners along the course, cheering and providing music for entertainment as people participate in this great race.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Walk and Run to complete a marathon...
Marathon’s for everyone – Walk, Run, Walk! – Completing three marathons in three months.
The marathon distance of 42.195km strikes fear into the hearts of so many would be runners. Watching people struggle to reach the finish line, many failing and telling their tails of the difficulties of their race, fills the rest of us with the doubt that even if we were to try, we would probably fail. Add to that the fear of all the training that is required to reach the iconic distance, and we become overwhelmed. It’s all just too much effort!
Well, I’m here to tell you that YOU can run a marathon! Whoever you are!
How do I know? And why am I able to make such a bold statement? Research! I have run three marathons for you in just a week over three months, with absolutely no training. My objective was to study how any reasonable fit person can complete the marathon distance in a reasonable time without any training and assuring a lifetime personal victory. Several things you should know:
1. I am aged 43 years old
2. I weighed 119kg at the start of each race (being 186 tall, that is overweight), except the third, where I weighed 120kg
3. I am an active person – moving around a lot during the day, not completely desk bound, which accounts for some basic fitness, despite my weight
4. I did not train in any way whatsoever for any of the three races (any exercise done is detailed below)
5. I put in my mind that 42k is a nice distance that allows me to see and explore the location and enjoy the beauty and sights around the race and not “a very long distance” – part of the success is to conquer the distance in your mind
6. I was determined to finish each race and was not concerned what anyone thought of me for walking – I also took out of my mind (this foolishness of always) having to have a personal best – leaving that for the professional athletes
7. I always started each race slowly (well it felt like that anyway, even though the data shows that I didn’t), attempting to conserve my energy for the end of the race
8. Running for me means to run at a comfortable pace for my body – which was about 6min 30secs per km or around 9kmph
9. Walking for me means to walk absolutely as fast as I possibly can, which obviously gets slower towards the end, but was around 8min 30 secs per km or around 6.7kmph to 7.2kmph
10. When I could no longer achieve “walk-run”, then I took 1 minute very slow walk breaks within my walks to allow recovery, thus becoming “walk-veryslowwalk-walk”
11. I visited a doctor and did a series of tests before starting. There were no anomalies in my blood tests and exams, being certified as “fit” other than of course, being overweight.
Marathon 1
Athens Classical Marathon, Greece:
I did absolutely no running of any kind from 7th August other than 5 exercise sessions with my wife for a grand total of 14km at an average pace of 9mins and 13sec per km, hardly marathon training. Additionally I suffered an injury to my calf muscle (playing basketball!). It was during this period from 7th August to 7th November that I gained 5kg of weight. Just to be honest, my previous completed marathon was Rome marathon which I ran in 5:00 straight, in April 2008, and for which I trained a total of 667km in 71 hours for an average pace of 6mins 27 secs per km or 9.29kmph. So any residual fitness could be considered as general fitness. I have previously run 3 marathons, being Glasgow (86), London (07) and Rome (08).
The inspiration to start this study came from the advertized “power-walk” at the Athens Marathon, which I decided to register in on Saturday (day before) since I was in Athens for the AIMS Symposium. I had recently read an article in “Marathon and Beyond” that talked extensively about the concept of walk-run-walk. That fellow made it a science and over a period of about 3 years got down to under 4hours. So with this in mind, I decided to test his theory for myself and share the results with anyone who would give me enough time to explain them.
November 7th 2008 – 06:00
Woke up bright and early on race day and headed off to the start of the power walk:
Distance Walk Run Walk run time/km km/stage time/stage
1km - 5km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:09 5 0:40:45
6km - 10km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:24 5 0:42:00
10km - 21.1km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:07:57 11.1 1:28:15
21.1km - 27km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:22 5.9 0:49:22
27km - 35km Walk Walk Walk Walk 0:09:15 8 1:14:00
35km - 42km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:24 7.2 1:00:29
42.2 5:54:50
Notes:
• The phase between 27km and 35km is where the race goes over a serious hill. Complete recovery was achieved by 35km and the process of walk run resumed
• The course was well attended with energy drinks, gel and fruits and food, allowing replenishment of energy along the way at a moderate pace
• Carrying a water bottle all the way allowed my arms to work like a pendulum, holding the water first in one hand and then the other, made the upper body participate more in propelling the body forward, especially uphill
• Now, think about this: I trained, running over 665km, for Rome marathon, and achieved 5:00. I did absolutely no training at all for Athens, and achieved 5:54. Imagine my great satisfaction.
• The only injury sustained was rubbed nipples, which I had to fix with band aid somewhere along the course at the medical station
• The only challenge physically was at about 30k where one of my hip bones felt tired and I asked for two Panadol at a medical station (which I had to sign for) to relax the pain. It was fine after that
• My recovery consisted of a swim and a sauna on the afternoon of race day, and two Panadol twice on Monday and twice on Tuesday, and a good long sleep on Monday night
Marathon 2
So, spurred on by my big success in Athens, I decided it would be a great idea to develop the idea further, so I registered for the next marathon, which was exactly one month later and very near Beirut. The weekend before the marathon I was working from Saturday morning till Sunday night without any sleep at all, managing the BLOM Beirut Marathon. Tuesday night and Wednesday night were spent measuring the Amman International Marathon (so again a shortage of sleep), and then the race was on Friday. So I had no real time to recover from my strenuous work prior to run-walking the Red Sea Marathon.
Red Hills Aqaba Marathon, Jordan:
Distance Walk run walk Run time/km km/stage time/stage
1km - 4.85km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:07:16 4.85 0:35:15
4.85 - 10.16km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:06:54 5.31 0:36:36
10.16 - 21.194 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:07:29 11.034 1:22:38
21.194 - 27.051 walk 0:08:02 5.857 0:47:03
27.051 - 35.630 walk 0:08:48 8.579 1:15:31
35.630 - 40.9 walk 1min walk 1min 0:08:08 5.27 0:42:50
0:07:49 40.9 5:19:53
If the last km had been completed at the average pace achieved 42.2 0:10:10 5:30:03
If the last km had been completed at the pace of last 5km 42.2 0:10:34 5:30:27
Notes:
• Aqaba Marathon starts from the top of the hill and descends to sea level, then proceeds out into the desert where it is hot and completely unsupported, returning into the city for the last few k.
• The km markers were incorrectly set, being always 1km ahead of the markers until 32k when suddenly you arrive at the finish line 1k early – very disorienting and challenging to the mind, because for a good 15km you think that the race is going to be 43k so you conserve energy for the end, then discovering that it is short you cannot maximize your remaining energy
• There is only water between start and finish. No fruit. No gel. No energy drinks. No entertainment. No single spectator (other than my wife who waited at 10k, at 33k and near the finish – which was the best encouragement ever!).
• Definitely not a marathon for the weak hearted or beginner.
• I completed 4 training sessions of 3k each, run walk run, because I wanted to be beside my wife as she prepared to compete in her first 10k race
• I also organized the BLOM Beirut Marathon (my full time job) one week before Aqaba, where I completed about 7k of running and walking around the start line and finish line
• I had a secret weapon at 35k – my wife showed up to cheer me on… and she kept appearing along the way all the way to the finish line where she was my biggest fan!
Marathon 3
BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 ½ :
Notes:
• Having chosen Dubai Marathon as my third and final marathon for the “three marathons in three months” I had to modify at the last minute due to solving my work papers (no way to travel if the work visa is not in order), so instead of travelling, what better than running the BLOM Beirut Marathon? Only one catch, the marathon is already over. Since I organize the BBM event, what better than to have my team set up a marathon for me? Water stations, Gatorade and fruit stations were organized according to the exact marathon standards. A lead car was organized and so very early (06:00) on Sunday 18th January I set out for the third and final challenge, together with the Race Director (who ran 10k) and Race Manager JeanClaude Rabbath (who completed his first ever marathon)
• I completed only one training session of 2.88km of walking with my wife in the month between Dead Sea and Beirut
• I “enjoyed” Christmas, Eid Al Adha and New Year celebrations with plenty of good food (nothing to drink as I am a tea totaller) with the outcome being plus 1kg
• It rained consistently from 27km to 33km but there was not much wind
• At 30km I stopped and waited for ten minutes for JeanClaude to catch up with me as I he had fallen 1km behind and I thought that he might give up if I left him alone.
• At 34k we ate a Mars Bar and a Galaxy bar each
• At 41.2k JeanClaude decided that he would sprint off to the finish line, and he completed his walk run in 5:41 and some seconds… which frankly disappointed me… I had imagined that we would cross the finish line together, especially as I had waited ten minutes for him… but there you go – that’s the “competitive” spirit
• I was able to deploy my secret weapon again, with my wife cheering me on at 40.5k and of course cheering me over the finish line!
Why complete 43km when you can do just 42.2?
It is of prime importance that you take the shortest visual line around the course. Why? The course is measured by professionals from the IAAF and AIMS who spend hours calculating the shortest possible trajectory that a runner can take through curves and corners. I watched so many of the leading athletes in the race take an arbitrary route that follows the general direction of the race. They have run much more than they need to and could cut off time from their race by being as close to the curbs and the apex of every corner as possible. You as a walker can do that. In the example below you will see that the careless runner who takes the middle of the road will complete a distance of 521m while an aware runner, getting within 15cm of the curb will only complete a distance of 514m. That equates to an average of 600m more in a marathon – which if you are on an 8min per km pace will be an additional 4:48 seconds added to your finishing time. That’s huge. And following the blue line painted on the road may not be the shortest route either. Many times the blue line painting machine cannot get to the shortest possible route due to parked cars during the time of painting, and so becomes a guideline rather than gospel.
Your best course of action is to keep your head up and focus on the curves and turns and try to be as close to the curb as possible as you go through the corners; remember, you must not step off the road onto the curb or sidewalk as that will be considered as cheating.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the finish line and celebrating your victory!
Good Luck!
The marathon distance of 42.195km strikes fear into the hearts of so many would be runners. Watching people struggle to reach the finish line, many failing and telling their tails of the difficulties of their race, fills the rest of us with the doubt that even if we were to try, we would probably fail. Add to that the fear of all the training that is required to reach the iconic distance, and we become overwhelmed. It’s all just too much effort!
Well, I’m here to tell you that YOU can run a marathon! Whoever you are!
How do I know? And why am I able to make such a bold statement? Research! I have run three marathons for you in just a week over three months, with absolutely no training. My objective was to study how any reasonable fit person can complete the marathon distance in a reasonable time without any training and assuring a lifetime personal victory. Several things you should know:
1. I am aged 43 years old
2. I weighed 119kg at the start of each race (being 186 tall, that is overweight), except the third, where I weighed 120kg
3. I am an active person – moving around a lot during the day, not completely desk bound, which accounts for some basic fitness, despite my weight
4. I did not train in any way whatsoever for any of the three races (any exercise done is detailed below)
5. I put in my mind that 42k is a nice distance that allows me to see and explore the location and enjoy the beauty and sights around the race and not “a very long distance” – part of the success is to conquer the distance in your mind
6. I was determined to finish each race and was not concerned what anyone thought of me for walking – I also took out of my mind (this foolishness of always) having to have a personal best – leaving that for the professional athletes
7. I always started each race slowly (well it felt like that anyway, even though the data shows that I didn’t), attempting to conserve my energy for the end of the race
8. Running for me means to run at a comfortable pace for my body – which was about 6min 30secs per km or around 9kmph
9. Walking for me means to walk absolutely as fast as I possibly can, which obviously gets slower towards the end, but was around 8min 30 secs per km or around 6.7kmph to 7.2kmph
10. When I could no longer achieve “walk-run”, then I took 1 minute very slow walk breaks within my walks to allow recovery, thus becoming “walk-veryslowwalk-walk”
11. I visited a doctor and did a series of tests before starting. There were no anomalies in my blood tests and exams, being certified as “fit” other than of course, being overweight.
Marathon 1
Athens Classical Marathon, Greece:
I did absolutely no running of any kind from 7th August other than 5 exercise sessions with my wife for a grand total of 14km at an average pace of 9mins and 13sec per km, hardly marathon training. Additionally I suffered an injury to my calf muscle (playing basketball!). It was during this period from 7th August to 7th November that I gained 5kg of weight. Just to be honest, my previous completed marathon was Rome marathon which I ran in 5:00 straight, in April 2008, and for which I trained a total of 667km in 71 hours for an average pace of 6mins 27 secs per km or 9.29kmph. So any residual fitness could be considered as general fitness. I have previously run 3 marathons, being Glasgow (86), London (07) and Rome (08).
The inspiration to start this study came from the advertized “power-walk” at the Athens Marathon, which I decided to register in on Saturday (day before) since I was in Athens for the AIMS Symposium. I had recently read an article in “Marathon and Beyond” that talked extensively about the concept of walk-run-walk. That fellow made it a science and over a period of about 3 years got down to under 4hours. So with this in mind, I decided to test his theory for myself and share the results with anyone who would give me enough time to explain them.
November 7th 2008 – 06:00
Woke up bright and early on race day and headed off to the start of the power walk:
Distance Walk Run Walk run time/km km/stage time/stage
1km - 5km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:09 5 0:40:45
6km - 10km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:24 5 0:42:00
10km - 21.1km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:07:57 11.1 1:28:15
21.1km - 27km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:22 5.9 0:49:22
27km - 35km Walk Walk Walk Walk 0:09:15 8 1:14:00
35km - 42km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:08:24 7.2 1:00:29
42.2 5:54:50
Notes:
• The phase between 27km and 35km is where the race goes over a serious hill. Complete recovery was achieved by 35km and the process of walk run resumed
• The course was well attended with energy drinks, gel and fruits and food, allowing replenishment of energy along the way at a moderate pace
• Carrying a water bottle all the way allowed my arms to work like a pendulum, holding the water first in one hand and then the other, made the upper body participate more in propelling the body forward, especially uphill
• Now, think about this: I trained, running over 665km, for Rome marathon, and achieved 5:00. I did absolutely no training at all for Athens, and achieved 5:54. Imagine my great satisfaction.
• The only injury sustained was rubbed nipples, which I had to fix with band aid somewhere along the course at the medical station
• The only challenge physically was at about 30k where one of my hip bones felt tired and I asked for two Panadol at a medical station (which I had to sign for) to relax the pain. It was fine after that
• My recovery consisted of a swim and a sauna on the afternoon of race day, and two Panadol twice on Monday and twice on Tuesday, and a good long sleep on Monday night
Marathon 2
So, spurred on by my big success in Athens, I decided it would be a great idea to develop the idea further, so I registered for the next marathon, which was exactly one month later and very near Beirut. The weekend before the marathon I was working from Saturday morning till Sunday night without any sleep at all, managing the BLOM Beirut Marathon. Tuesday night and Wednesday night were spent measuring the Amman International Marathon (so again a shortage of sleep), and then the race was on Friday. So I had no real time to recover from my strenuous work prior to run-walking the Red Sea Marathon.
Red Hills Aqaba Marathon, Jordan:
Distance Walk run walk Run time/km km/stage time/stage
1km - 4.85km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:07:16 4.85 0:35:15
4.85 - 10.16km 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:06:54 5.31 0:36:36
10.16 - 21.194 3min 3min 3min 3min 0:07:29 11.034 1:22:38
21.194 - 27.051 walk 0:08:02 5.857 0:47:03
27.051 - 35.630 walk 0:08:48 8.579 1:15:31
35.630 - 40.9 walk 1min walk 1min 0:08:08 5.27 0:42:50
0:07:49 40.9 5:19:53
If the last km had been completed at the average pace achieved 42.2 0:10:10 5:30:03
If the last km had been completed at the pace of last 5km 42.2 0:10:34 5:30:27
Notes:
• Aqaba Marathon starts from the top of the hill and descends to sea level, then proceeds out into the desert where it is hot and completely unsupported, returning into the city for the last few k.
• The km markers were incorrectly set, being always 1km ahead of the markers until 32k when suddenly you arrive at the finish line 1k early – very disorienting and challenging to the mind, because for a good 15km you think that the race is going to be 43k so you conserve energy for the end, then discovering that it is short you cannot maximize your remaining energy
• There is only water between start and finish. No fruit. No gel. No energy drinks. No entertainment. No single spectator (other than my wife who waited at 10k, at 33k and near the finish – which was the best encouragement ever!).
• Definitely not a marathon for the weak hearted or beginner.
• I completed 4 training sessions of 3k each, run walk run, because I wanted to be beside my wife as she prepared to compete in her first 10k race
• I also organized the BLOM Beirut Marathon (my full time job) one week before Aqaba, where I completed about 7k of running and walking around the start line and finish line
• I had a secret weapon at 35k – my wife showed up to cheer me on… and she kept appearing along the way all the way to the finish line where she was my biggest fan!
Marathon 3
BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 ½ :
Notes:
• Having chosen Dubai Marathon as my third and final marathon for the “three marathons in three months” I had to modify at the last minute due to solving my work papers (no way to travel if the work visa is not in order), so instead of travelling, what better than running the BLOM Beirut Marathon? Only one catch, the marathon is already over. Since I organize the BBM event, what better than to have my team set up a marathon for me? Water stations, Gatorade and fruit stations were organized according to the exact marathon standards. A lead car was organized and so very early (06:00) on Sunday 18th January I set out for the third and final challenge, together with the Race Director (who ran 10k) and Race Manager JeanClaude Rabbath (who completed his first ever marathon)
• I completed only one training session of 2.88km of walking with my wife in the month between Dead Sea and Beirut
• I “enjoyed” Christmas, Eid Al Adha and New Year celebrations with plenty of good food (nothing to drink as I am a tea totaller) with the outcome being plus 1kg
• It rained consistently from 27km to 33km but there was not much wind
• At 30km I stopped and waited for ten minutes for JeanClaude to catch up with me as I he had fallen 1km behind and I thought that he might give up if I left him alone.
• At 34k we ate a Mars Bar and a Galaxy bar each
• At 41.2k JeanClaude decided that he would sprint off to the finish line, and he completed his walk run in 5:41 and some seconds… which frankly disappointed me… I had imagined that we would cross the finish line together, especially as I had waited ten minutes for him… but there you go – that’s the “competitive” spirit
• I was able to deploy my secret weapon again, with my wife cheering me on at 40.5k and of course cheering me over the finish line!
Why complete 43km when you can do just 42.2?
It is of prime importance that you take the shortest visual line around the course. Why? The course is measured by professionals from the IAAF and AIMS who spend hours calculating the shortest possible trajectory that a runner can take through curves and corners. I watched so many of the leading athletes in the race take an arbitrary route that follows the general direction of the race. They have run much more than they need to and could cut off time from their race by being as close to the curbs and the apex of every corner as possible. You as a walker can do that. In the example below you will see that the careless runner who takes the middle of the road will complete a distance of 521m while an aware runner, getting within 15cm of the curb will only complete a distance of 514m. That equates to an average of 600m more in a marathon – which if you are on an 8min per km pace will be an additional 4:48 seconds added to your finishing time. That’s huge. And following the blue line painted on the road may not be the shortest route either. Many times the blue line painting machine cannot get to the shortest possible route due to parked cars during the time of painting, and so becomes a guideline rather than gospel.
Your best course of action is to keep your head up and focus on the curves and turns and try to be as close to the curb as possible as you go through the corners; remember, you must not step off the road onto the curb or sidewalk as that will be considered as cheating.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the finish line and celebrating your victory!
Good Luck!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Translebanon Ultra 2009
45 hours non stop run across Lebanon from the North to the South (265 K).
The run will start on Sunday 5 April at 11:00 am and end on Tuesday 7 April at around 9:00 am
Runners:
- John Tyszkiewicz ( UK)
- Jackson Griffith ( UK)
Schedule:
1 - ARIDA - ABDEH -Sun 5 11:00 am
2 - ABDEH - MINA - Sun 5 13:00 pm
3 - MINA - BATROUN - Sun 5 16:00 pm
4 - BATROUN - BYBLOS - Sun 5 22:00 pm
5- BYBLOS - BEIRUT - Mon 6 1:00 am
6 - REST IN BEIRUT - Mon 6 7:00 am
7 - BEIRUT - SADIYAT - Mon 6 8:00 am
8 - SADIYAT - SAIDA - Mon 6 13:00 pm
9 - SAIDA - TYR - Mon 6 16:00 pm
10 - TYR – Maroun El Rass - Mon 6 23:00 pm
The run will start on Sunday 5 April at 11:00 am and end on Tuesday 7 April at around 9:00 am
Runners:
- John Tyszkiewicz ( UK)
- Jackson Griffith ( UK)
Schedule:
1 - ARIDA - ABDEH -Sun 5 11:00 am
2 - ABDEH - MINA - Sun 5 13:00 pm
3 - MINA - BATROUN - Sun 5 16:00 pm
4 - BATROUN - BYBLOS - Sun 5 22:00 pm
5- BYBLOS - BEIRUT - Mon 6 1:00 am
6 - REST IN BEIRUT - Mon 6 7:00 am
7 - BEIRUT - SADIYAT - Mon 6 8:00 am
8 - SADIYAT - SAIDA - Mon 6 13:00 pm
9 - SAIDA - TYR - Mon 6 16:00 pm
10 - TYR – Maroun El Rass - Mon 6 23:00 pm
Friday, March 13, 2009
HSBC EarthRace09 Details
the event includes the following races:
21.1 Km (age 17+) starts at 7:30 am
5 Km (age 13+) starts at 8:00 am
1.5 Km (age 7 - 12) starts at 8:15 am
Wheelchair 21.1 Km starts at 7:25 am
IMPORTANT:
every runner receives an ID card upon registration that must be kept for use in the packet pick up.
Timing: Championchip timing is provided for 21.1 Km runners and is included in the registration fee. the CHIP should be returned at the finish line. 5 Km and 1.5 Km runners who would like to have a timing chip will pay extra 5000 LBP to the normal fee.
Packet Pick Up: Every runner must collect his/her Running Packet from April 23 to 25, between 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm at Virgin Megastore - DT Beirut.
Register at:
the beirut Marathon Association offices - Hazmieh
HSBC branches
Liban Post
Virgin Ticketing Box Office
ABC stand in Achrafieh
www.beirutmarathon.org
RGISTRATION DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2009
21.1 Km (age 17+) starts at 7:30 am
5 Km (age 13+) starts at 8:00 am
1.5 Km (age 7 - 12) starts at 8:15 am
Wheelchair 21.1 Km starts at 7:25 am
IMPORTANT:
every runner receives an ID card upon registration that must be kept for use in the packet pick up.
Timing: Championchip timing is provided for 21.1 Km runners and is included in the registration fee. the CHIP should be returned at the finish line. 5 Km and 1.5 Km runners who would like to have a timing chip will pay extra 5000 LBP to the normal fee.
Packet Pick Up: Every runner must collect his/her Running Packet from April 23 to 25, between 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm at Virgin Megastore - DT Beirut.
Register at:
the beirut Marathon Association offices - Hazmieh
HSBC branches
Liban Post
Virgin Ticketing Box Office
ABC stand in Achrafieh
www.beirutmarathon.org
RGISTRATION DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Marathon League
A meeting held by the BMA Marathon League at the Beirut Marathon Association offices in Hazmieh, on February 4, 2009 to present the “Marathon Garden,” a new project done in the LHEE work shop that was under the theme of planning and executing projects.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A visit to the Minitry of Education
A meeting with Minister of Education, Mrs. Bahia El Hariri and the president of Beirut Marathon Association Mrs. May Khalil, in the presence of Beirut Marathon Association Members took place on January 27th 2009, at the Ministry’s office.
Mrs. El Khalil affirmed to the Minister Mrs. Hariri that the success of the BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008 was the fruit of everybody’s effort, and the schools participation had a remarkable presence in the event; this goes to the support of the Minister of Education.
From her part, her excellence Mrs. Hariri expressed her deep appreciation of the strenuous and persistent effort done by the Beirut Marathon Association towards the new generation and the nation; she expressed her will to help in any way she can to spread the running culture and motivate the students to participate in HSBC VIVICITTA Earth Run on April 26th.
Mrs. El Khalil affirmed to the Minister Mrs. Hariri that the success of the BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008 was the fruit of everybody’s effort, and the schools participation had a remarkable presence in the event; this goes to the support of the Minister of Education.
From her part, her excellence Mrs. Hariri expressed her deep appreciation of the strenuous and persistent effort done by the Beirut Marathon Association towards the new generation and the nation; she expressed her will to help in any way she can to spread the running culture and motivate the students to participate in HSBC VIVICITTA Earth Run on April 26th.
HSBC VIVICITTA 2009
How can we despise an environment we created ourselves? Instead of blaming let's see how we could be active in changing the facts.
Who can drive positive change but us?
The Beirut Marathon Association is kicking off its first race for 2009, HSBC VIVICITTA
“Run for the Environment “April 26th.
Get Ready to Join us
Who can drive positive change but us?
The Beirut Marathon Association is kicking off its first race for 2009, HSBC VIVICITTA
“Run for the Environment “April 26th.
Get Ready to Join us
Monday, December 29, 2008
Awesome Marathon
The BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 was an amazing event... marathoners were fired up to enjoy the best marathon ever in Lebanon... so many athletes were able to achieve their personal best and the course record was broken, becoming 2:12:47.
A world record was acheived by the double amputee Richard Whitehead in 3:14... that was something unbelievable - just watching him cross the finish line was so rewarding...
So it is time to get ready for the next race... we wish you a great holiday season, and please keep the comments and suggestions coming in...
cheers
A world record was acheived by the double amputee Richard Whitehead in 3:14... that was something unbelievable - just watching him cross the finish line was so rewarding...
So it is time to get ready for the next race... we wish you a great holiday season, and please keep the comments and suggestions coming in...
cheers
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008, anti-doping test
The Beirut Marathon Association shall strongly support the anti-doping campaign of WADA in this year’s BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 to ensure that the sport of running is kept free from doping. This year’s marathon runners will all be obliged to sign an anti-doping declaration according to the IAAF laws, which will be signed at the time of bib-pick up.
There will be random dope tests at the finish line on race day under the supervision of WADA representative Jihad Haddad, and the LAF, acting in accordance with these international standards.
We hope to see new records on race day for the men and women’s 42k marathon where all winners will be tested. Random testing of other athletes will be carried out throughout the day.
Supporting anti-doping is a very important part of the structure of races and ensures fairness. Prize money will be paid out after the return of the results from the Olympic standard testing laboratory.
There will be random dope tests at the finish line on race day under the supervision of WADA representative Jihad Haddad, and the LAF, acting in accordance with these international standards.
We hope to see new records on race day for the men and women’s 42k marathon where all winners will be tested. Random testing of other athletes will be carried out throughout the day.
Supporting anti-doping is a very important part of the structure of races and ensures fairness. Prize money will be paid out after the return of the results from the Olympic standard testing laboratory.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Anti - doping test - Blom Beirut Marathon 2008
BMA declares anit-doping campaign for Marathon
The Beirut Marathon Association shall strongly support the anti-doping campaign of WADA in this year’s BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 to ensure that the sport of running is kept free from doping. This year’s marathon runners will all be obliged to sign an anti-doping declaration according to the IAAF laws, which will be signed at the time of bib-pick up.
There will be random dope tests at the finish line on race day under the supervision of WADA representative Jihad Haddad, and the LAF, acting in accordance with these international standards.
We hope to see new records on race day for the men and women’s 42k marathon where all winners will be tested. Random testing of other athletes will be carried out throughout the day.
Supporting anti-doping is a very important part of the structure of races and ensures fairness. Prize money will be paid out after the return of the results from the Olympic standard testing laboratory.
The Beirut Marathon Association shall strongly support the anti-doping campaign of WADA in this year’s BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 to ensure that the sport of running is kept free from doping. This year’s marathon runners will all be obliged to sign an anti-doping declaration according to the IAAF laws, which will be signed at the time of bib-pick up.
There will be random dope tests at the finish line on race day under the supervision of WADA representative Jihad Haddad, and the LAF, acting in accordance with these international standards.
We hope to see new records on race day for the men and women’s 42k marathon where all winners will be tested. Random testing of other athletes will be carried out throughout the day.
Supporting anti-doping is a very important part of the structure of races and ensures fairness. Prize money will be paid out after the return of the results from the Olympic standard testing laboratory.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
WAMS 2008 When Awareness Meets Sports Program
WAMS 2008
“When Awareness Meets Sports”
November 26th and 27th, 2008
Le Meridien Commodore- Hamra
Wednesday, November 26th:
· 12:30 – 1:30 “Cancer in Children”
Dr. Roula Farah, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/
Oncology, St. George’s Hospital, Balamand University
President, Chance Association (CHildren AgaiNst CancEr)
1:30 – 3:30 Session 1: “Introduction to Non-Profits”
Session 2: “The Nature of Non-Profits”
Amin A. Nehme, Marketing Consultant/ NGO Program Developer
4:00 – 5:00 “The Lived Experience of Lebanese Oncology Patients Receiving Palliative Care”
Dr. Myrna A .A. Doumit, PhD, RN/ Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, AUB
5:00 – 6:00 Patients Survivor Stories
6:00 – 7:00 “So You Want to Smoke?”
Dr. Jamil Halabi, General Secretary, Lebanese Cancer Society
Lecturer at Faculty of Medicine at Balamand University
Lecturer at Nursing Faculty at USJ
Lecturer at Faculty of Public Health at Lebanese University
8:00 – 9:00 Live Performance by Joseph Attieh
Thursday, November 27th:
12:30 – 1:30 “Cancer in Children”
Dr. Roula Farah, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/
Oncology, St. George`s Hospital, Balamand University
President, Chance Association (CHildren AgaiNst CancEr)
1:30 – 3:00 “Introduction to Fundraising”
Amin A. Nehme, Marketing Consultant/ NGO Program Developer
3:00 – 4:00 “The Lived Experience of Lebanese Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients”
Dr. Myrna A. A. Doumit, PhD, RN/ Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, AUB
4:00 – 5:00 Patients Survivor Stories
5:00 – 5:45 “Cancer: From Small Organism to Deadly Tumor”
Dr. Najib Geahchan, Professor of Surgical Oncology
Vice Dean of Faculty of Medicine at USJ
Active Member of Lebanese Cancer Society
6:00 – 7:00 “ Awareness and Progress to Fight Cancer”
Dr. Nagi El Saghir, MD, FACP/ Clinical Professor, Hematology-Oncology
American University of Beirut Medical Center
7:30 – 8:30 Live Performance by Carole Sakr
“When Awareness Meets Sports”
November 26th and 27th, 2008
Le Meridien Commodore- Hamra
Wednesday, November 26th:
· 12:30 – 1:30 “Cancer in Children”
Dr. Roula Farah, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/
Oncology, St. George’s Hospital, Balamand University
President, Chance Association (CHildren AgaiNst CancEr)
1:30 – 3:30 Session 1: “Introduction to Non-Profits”
Session 2: “The Nature of Non-Profits”
Amin A. Nehme, Marketing Consultant/ NGO Program Developer
4:00 – 5:00 “The Lived Experience of Lebanese Oncology Patients Receiving Palliative Care”
Dr. Myrna A .A. Doumit, PhD, RN/ Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, AUB
5:00 – 6:00 Patients Survivor Stories
6:00 – 7:00 “So You Want to Smoke?”
Dr. Jamil Halabi, General Secretary, Lebanese Cancer Society
Lecturer at Faculty of Medicine at Balamand University
Lecturer at Nursing Faculty at USJ
Lecturer at Faculty of Public Health at Lebanese University
8:00 – 9:00 Live Performance by Joseph Attieh
Thursday, November 27th:
12:30 – 1:30 “Cancer in Children”
Dr. Roula Farah, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/
Oncology, St. George`s Hospital, Balamand University
President, Chance Association (CHildren AgaiNst CancEr)
1:30 – 3:00 “Introduction to Fundraising”
Amin A. Nehme, Marketing Consultant/ NGO Program Developer
3:00 – 4:00 “The Lived Experience of Lebanese Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients”
Dr. Myrna A. A. Doumit, PhD, RN/ Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, AUB
4:00 – 5:00 Patients Survivor Stories
5:00 – 5:45 “Cancer: From Small Organism to Deadly Tumor”
Dr. Najib Geahchan, Professor of Surgical Oncology
Vice Dean of Faculty of Medicine at USJ
Active Member of Lebanese Cancer Society
6:00 – 7:00 “ Awareness and Progress to Fight Cancer”
Dr. Nagi El Saghir, MD, FACP/ Clinical Professor, Hematology-Oncology
American University of Beirut Medical Center
7:30 – 8:30 Live Performance by Carole Sakr
RUN With the BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008 Athletes
The Beirut Marathon Association cordially
Invites you to join
The “Run With Athletes”
Date: Friday November 28, 2008
Venue: Corniche Ain El Mreiseh
Time: 6:00 pm
There you will meet and run
Invites you to join
The “Run With Athletes”
Date: Friday November 28, 2008
Venue: Corniche Ain El Mreiseh
Time: 6:00 pm
There you will meet and run
with the BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008 Athletes
“Meet the Athletes”
The Beirut Marathon Association cordially invites you
To attend “Meet the Athletes” Press Conference
Saturday November 29th
At le Meridien Commodore – Hamra, 11:00 am.
Program:
* Welcome by Mr. Hassan Muhieddine, BMA Media Director.
* Mrs. May El Khalil, BMA president.
* Guest of Honor HRH Princess Ghida Talal.
* HE Frances Guy, British Ambassador
* Mr. Mark Dickinson, BMA Managing Director.
* Mr. Antonio Nanoni, Elite Athletes Manager.
* Q & A
Coktail
To attend “Meet the Athletes” Press Conference
Saturday November 29th
At le Meridien Commodore – Hamra, 11:00 am.
Program:
* Welcome by Mr. Hassan Muhieddine, BMA Media Director.
* Mrs. May El Khalil, BMA president.
* Guest of Honor HRH Princess Ghida Talal.
* HE Frances Guy, British Ambassador
* Mr. Mark Dickinson, BMA Managing Director.
* Mr. Antonio Nanoni, Elite Athletes Manager.
* Q & A
Coktail
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 National Elite field
Men National Elite field:
HUSSEIN AWADA
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h20,36
2nd place Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2008 2h20,36 new national record
He finalized the training for Blom Beirut marathon 2008 in High altitude camp in Ethiopia.
OMAR ISSA
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h24,36
2nd place Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2008 2h24,36 beating the old national record
He finalized the training for Blom Beirut marathon 2008 in High altitude camp in Ethiopia.
OMAR ABDEL LATIF
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h27,54
Winner of Beirut marathon 2005 in Lebanese category
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
Berlin Marathon 2007 2h27,54
DAOUD MOSTAFA
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h28,29
2nd place Beirut marathon 2005 in Lebanese category
3rd place Blom Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
London Marathon 2007 2h28,29
He finalized the training for Blom Beirut marathon 2008 in High altitude camp in Ethiopia.
Women National Elite field:
MARIA PIA NEHME
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h11,00
Winner of Beirut marathon 2005 in Lebanese category
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Paris marathon 2007 3h11,16
Berlin marathon 2007 3h11,00 national record holder
MARIA AL AAM
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h17,31
Winner of Beirut marathon 2003, 2004, 2006 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2004 3h17,31
MUNA TAMIM
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h28,15
2nd place Blom Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
MAY ZEIDAN
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h33,47
3nd place Beirut marathon 2004 in Lebanese category
2nd place Blom Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2007 2h33,47
ELGA TRAD
3nd place Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
NOHA BAYDOUN
4th place Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
HUSSEIN AWADA
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h20,36
2nd place Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2008 2h20,36 new national record
He finalized the training for Blom Beirut marathon 2008 in High altitude camp in Ethiopia.
OMAR ISSA
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h24,36
2nd place Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2008 2h24,36 beating the old national record
He finalized the training for Blom Beirut marathon 2008 in High altitude camp in Ethiopia.
OMAR ABDEL LATIF
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h27,54
Winner of Beirut marathon 2005 in Lebanese category
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
Berlin Marathon 2007 2h27,54
DAOUD MOSTAFA
PERSONAL BEST TIME 2h28,29
2nd place Beirut marathon 2005 in Lebanese category
3rd place Blom Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
London Marathon 2007 2h28,29
He finalized the training for Blom Beirut marathon 2008 in High altitude camp in Ethiopia.
Women National Elite field:
MARIA PIA NEHME
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h11,00
Winner of Beirut marathon 2005 in Lebanese category
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Paris marathon 2007 3h11,16
Berlin marathon 2007 3h11,00 national record holder
MARIA AL AAM
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h17,31
Winner of Beirut marathon 2003, 2004, 2006 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2004 3h17,31
MUNA TAMIM
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h28,15
2nd place Blom Beirut marathon 2006 in Lebanese category
MAY ZEIDAN
PERSONAL BEST TIME 3h33,47
3nd place Beirut marathon 2004 in Lebanese category
2nd place Blom Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Berlin marathon 2007 2h33,47
ELGA TRAD
3nd place Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
NOHA BAYDOUN
4th place Beirut marathon 2007 in Lebanese category
Independence Day Race 1st edition
The 1st edition of the Independence Day Race, organised by the Veterans Club in partnership with the Minister for Youth & Sports, is on Saturday, 22 November 2008. It is a 17K race for Veterans, although all ages are welcome.
The race starts at 8:00 AM in Aley (at the Souk) and ends at Khaldeh (at the Minister’s palace), where breakfast will be provided.
The race briefing is at 7:45 AM. The course is closed to traffic, and there is a time limit of 2 hours.
There are 2 water stations, but no distance markers.
There are medals for all finishers and trophies for the 1st three in each age category over 35 years.
Buses leave from Ain El Mreisseh (Hard Rock Cafe) at 6:30 AM to Aley and will meet runners at Khaldeh and return to Ain El Mreisseh (Hard Rock Cafe).
To register please call Dr. Ahmad Khalife on 01-370682 between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, or by email: agha@inco.com.lb, giving your name, gender, and date of birth. The deadline for registration is Thursday, 20 November.
There is no charge for registration or bus.
The race starts at 8:00 AM in Aley (at the Souk) and ends at Khaldeh (at the Minister’s palace), where breakfast will be provided.
The race briefing is at 7:45 AM. The course is closed to traffic, and there is a time limit of 2 hours.
There are 2 water stations, but no distance markers.
There are medals for all finishers and trophies for the 1st three in each age category over 35 years.
Buses leave from Ain El Mreisseh (Hard Rock Cafe) at 6:30 AM to Aley and will meet runners at Khaldeh and return to Ain El Mreisseh (Hard Rock Cafe).
To register please call Dr. Ahmad Khalife on 01-370682 between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, or by email: agha@inco.com.lb, giving your name, gender, and date of birth. The deadline for registration is Thursday, 20 November.
There is no charge for registration or bus.
Masai Warriors in BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008
BLOM Beirut Marathon 2008 sees an incredible scene where four Masai Warriors from Tanzania in East Africa will come to compete against the mighty runners in the marathon… these four athletes have never left their village before. They have taken their first plane trip to be here in Beirut, and it is PepsiCo International that has brought them here. They are going to impress everyone with their incredible running skills, surely finishing before many of the other elite athletes… what a wonderful experience… join them as they run 42.195km on 30th November.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
BLOM Beirut Marathon 08 COURSE
The course this year starts at the Chatilla roundabout and heads towards Tayouneh; turns left to Barbir and turns left on the old airport road, all the way to Ghobeiry Municipality building, and turns left to Musharafieh. At the MSC logo it turns left uphill back to Chatilla and follows the flow towards Tayouneh roundabout. At Tayouneh it heads towards Barbir and all the way up Bichara Khoury avenue to the statue (which is the highest point in the race at 73m) before turning right to Sodeco Square. From Sodeco Square it turns right and goes to the Museum (Mathaf) where it returns to Barbir bridge, turning sharp left beside the French Ambassador’s residence (from there it is all downhill). It stays on the left until Tayouneh, where it goes straight to Mar Mikhael intersection. Turn left and go to Galerie Semaan. At Galerie Semaan left to Galaxy and on to the Mount Lebanon Hospital where it turns right all the way to the freeway access road. Left at the freeway and down under the bridge. Left at the intersection to Chevrolet and Center Abraj (from here onwards the course is flat for 25k). At the intersection it crosses under the freeway and passes beside the Sagesse University and along the service road to the Sunday Market. From there it continues past Fiat and turns right in Corniche Nahr to the old Bridge of Borj Hammoud. Over the bridge and sharp right to the first major intersection and then left towards the Armenian School, where it turns left again and goes to the Borj Hammoud Square. At the square turn right and go to the first intersection and turn left, to the next major intersection and left again and head back to Borj Hammoud Square. Pass the Square and turn right just before the bridge. Under the Autostrade and take the seaside road past Galerie Vanlian and run all the way to Dbayeh. Keep on the left all the way through Dbayeh, past the Marina and turn left towards the North. Continue along the seaside until the Police checkpoint and turn right (East), there is a small forest on the right hand side. Upon reaching the main road turn right and go all the way to Emile Lahoud Convention Center and turn right to the end. Sharp right and then follow the curve of the road until the Naccache autostrade and take the oncoming carriageway for 50 meters before taking the first left. Follow the road to the second left hand intersection and return to the seaside road. From there return all the way back to Beirut along the sea road. At Galerie Vanlian turn left to the Autostrade and then turn right towards Beirut. Run over the bridge (a small incline of 25m) and over the Charles Helou Bus station to the waiting crowds at the finish line in Martyrs Square.
Men and Female International Elite Field BBM 08
Men International Elite Field:
ALEMAYEHU SHUMYE (Ethiopia). Age 20
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h11,50 recently done in Warsaw Marathon this year. He is a very talented runner and he is a rising star in the long distance professional athletics, being only 20 years old. He was always winner in all the races were he competed so far. He competed only in two marathons where he was the winner and he set the new course records!
Vercelli marathon 2008: Winner, course record 2h14,33
Vivicitta’ Beirut half marathon 2008: Winner
Miziara International cross country 2008: Winner
Flora Warsaw marathon 2008: Winner, course record 2h11,50
BALCHA DIDA (Ethiopia). Age 24
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h13,05
Addis Ababa Moha marathon 2007 2nd place
Mauritius marathon 2008 2nd place
Addis Ababa Moha marathon 2006 2nd place
Addis Ababa Abebe Bikila marathon 2006 5th place
MOSES KEMBOI (Kenya). Age 31
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h13,10
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 06
DAVID KIPLAGAT (Kenya). Age 39
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h14,05
Bonn marathon 2007 Winner
2nd place Beirut marathon 2005 & 2007
Lahore marathon 207 2nd place
To complete the men Elite Field, we have a group of young and new runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Jordan and Morocco.
Female International Elite Field :
TADELECH BIRRA (Ethiopia). Age 33
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h31,44
This athlete has a big international experience and she is the candidate number one for the final victory.
Kosice Marathon, Slovenia 2003 Winner
Hannover Marathon 2003 Winner
Honk Kong marathon 2006 5th place
Zurich marathon 2008 2h32,08 Winner
Warsaw marathon 2008 2h35,20 2nd place
ALEMTSEHAY HAILU (Ethiopia). Age 23
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h39,05
Blom Beirut marathon 2006 2nd place
Abebe Bikila Marathon 2008 2nd place
Maratona d’Italia 2008 2h39,05 4th place
TIGIST TITO (Ethiopia). Age 23
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h39,51
Lahore marathon 2007 2nd place 2h39,51
Abebe Bikila Marathon 2008 10nd place
WUDNESH NEGA (Ethiopia). Age 24
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h39,23
Thassaloniki marathon 2006 3rd place
Eurasia Istanbul marathon 2007 11th place 2h39,23
Abebe Bikila Marathon 2008 6th place
ALEMAYEHU SHUMYE (Ethiopia). Age 20
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h11,50 recently done in Warsaw Marathon this year. He is a very talented runner and he is a rising star in the long distance professional athletics, being only 20 years old. He was always winner in all the races were he competed so far. He competed only in two marathons where he was the winner and he set the new course records!
Vercelli marathon 2008: Winner, course record 2h14,33
Vivicitta’ Beirut half marathon 2008: Winner
Miziara International cross country 2008: Winner
Flora Warsaw marathon 2008: Winner, course record 2h11,50
BALCHA DIDA (Ethiopia). Age 24
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h13,05
Addis Ababa Moha marathon 2007 2nd place
Mauritius marathon 2008 2nd place
Addis Ababa Moha marathon 2006 2nd place
Addis Ababa Abebe Bikila marathon 2006 5th place
MOSES KEMBOI (Kenya). Age 31
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h13,10
Winner of Blom Beirut marathon 06
DAVID KIPLAGAT (Kenya). Age 39
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h14,05
Bonn marathon 2007 Winner
2nd place Beirut marathon 2005 & 2007
Lahore marathon 207 2nd place
To complete the men Elite Field, we have a group of young and new runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Jordan and Morocco.
Female International Elite Field :
TADELECH BIRRA (Ethiopia). Age 33
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h31,44
This athlete has a big international experience and she is the candidate number one for the final victory.
Kosice Marathon, Slovenia 2003 Winner
Hannover Marathon 2003 Winner
Honk Kong marathon 2006 5th place
Zurich marathon 2008 2h32,08 Winner
Warsaw marathon 2008 2h35,20 2nd place
ALEMTSEHAY HAILU (Ethiopia). Age 23
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h39,05
Blom Beirut marathon 2006 2nd place
Abebe Bikila Marathon 2008 2nd place
Maratona d’Italia 2008 2h39,05 4th place
TIGIST TITO (Ethiopia). Age 23
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h39,51
Lahore marathon 2007 2nd place 2h39,51
Abebe Bikila Marathon 2008 10nd place
WUDNESH NEGA (Ethiopia). Age 24
PERSONAL BEST TIME of 2h39,23
Thassaloniki marathon 2006 3rd place
Eurasia Istanbul marathon 2007 11th place 2h39,23
Abebe Bikila Marathon 2008 6th place
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Joseph Atiyeh with a Song for the Blom Beirut Marathon 2008
Joseph Atiyeh in a video clip for his new song “yalla Nerkod Sawa” a special song dedicated for the Blom Beirut Marathon 2008, where he is going to sing it live on Race day.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Distance Markers, Drinking Stations, and Toilets
Distance Markers
Each kilometer will be clearly indicated on a 2-meter high post to the inside of the road. Refreshment and aid stations will also be clearly marked by signposts 100 meters in advance.
When you reach the Finish Line, a clock is installed on top of the gantry to give you your time from the Start Gun.
Drinking Stations
Replacing lost fluid regularly is a must for all runners in any distance. You can all lose four or five liters of fluid during a Marathon if conditions are hot and humid. Therefore, please make use of our water and energy stations situated along the course.
· WATER (courtesy of Sohat) is offered at every 2.5km mark in 330ml soft-plastic bottles at kilometers: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, and 40.
· Gatorade Sports drink is available at 7 km intervals at kilometers: 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 on the Marathon route and Finish line. Gatorade will be offered in cups containing approximately 150ml each.
· Fruit (bananas and oranges) will be available at 10 km intervals at kilometers: 10, 20, 30 and 35km on the Marathon and Finish line. The fruits will be cut into slices.
· Sponge will be available at 7.5 km intervals at kilometers: 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30 and 35km on Marathon course.
· Fuchsia line will print along the course that it is purely an indication of the direction of the route.
· Red Cross is available at 1.5 km intervals at kilometers: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, 21, 22.5, 24, 25.5, 27, 28.5, 30, 31.5, 33, 34.5, 36, 37.5, 39, 40.5 and finish line.
· Cheering Stations is available along the course of marathon and 10k.
· Please discard your empty bottles and cups carefully to the side of the road and not where they will cause a problem to those runners behind you. Also please pay special attention to throwing away the banana and orange peels as they may result in a hazard to runners behind you.
Toilet Cabins
There will be 3 toilet cabins for men and 2 for women at the Warm up Zone as well as the Cool Down zone. There will be 2 regular toilet cabins and 1 disabled toilet cabin for wheelchair at elite and wheelchair area in Horsh Beirut.
There will be 3 toilet cabins for men and 2 for women at the finish line area and 1 disabled cabin at the Red Cross area.
Each kilometer will be clearly indicated on a 2-meter high post to the inside of the road. Refreshment and aid stations will also be clearly marked by signposts 100 meters in advance.
When you reach the Finish Line, a clock is installed on top of the gantry to give you your time from the Start Gun.
Drinking Stations
Replacing lost fluid regularly is a must for all runners in any distance. You can all lose four or five liters of fluid during a Marathon if conditions are hot and humid. Therefore, please make use of our water and energy stations situated along the course.
· WATER (courtesy of Sohat) is offered at every 2.5km mark in 330ml soft-plastic bottles at kilometers: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, and 40.
· Gatorade Sports drink is available at 7 km intervals at kilometers: 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 on the Marathon route and Finish line. Gatorade will be offered in cups containing approximately 150ml each.
· Fruit (bananas and oranges) will be available at 10 km intervals at kilometers: 10, 20, 30 and 35km on the Marathon and Finish line. The fruits will be cut into slices.
· Sponge will be available at 7.5 km intervals at kilometers: 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30 and 35km on Marathon course.
· Fuchsia line will print along the course that it is purely an indication of the direction of the route.
· Red Cross is available at 1.5 km intervals at kilometers: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, 21, 22.5, 24, 25.5, 27, 28.5, 30, 31.5, 33, 34.5, 36, 37.5, 39, 40.5 and finish line.
· Cheering Stations is available along the course of marathon and 10k.
· Please discard your empty bottles and cups carefully to the side of the road and not where they will cause a problem to those runners behind you. Also please pay special attention to throwing away the banana and orange peels as they may result in a hazard to runners behind you.
Toilet Cabins
There will be 3 toilet cabins for men and 2 for women at the Warm up Zone as well as the Cool Down zone. There will be 2 regular toilet cabins and 1 disabled toilet cabin for wheelchair at elite and wheelchair area in Horsh Beirut.
There will be 3 toilet cabins for men and 2 for women at the finish line area and 1 disabled cabin at the Red Cross area.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)