Beirut Marathon

The Beirut Marathon (currently run under title sponsor BLOM Bank as the 'BLOM Bank Beirut Marathon') is the largest and longest-running marathon in the Middle East, founded in 2003 by the Beirut Marathon Association. The race has become a symbol of resilience for the city, continuing through periods of political and economic turmoil and drawing tens of thousands of participants across its full program of distances. The flat, coastal course starts near Beirut's seafront and follows the Corniche, the city's iconic seaside promenade, passing the Pigeon Rocks (Raouche) rock formations, downtown Beirut, and a mix of historic districts and rebuilt modern architecture. The gentle, largely flat profile makes it accessible to first-time marathoners while the Mediterranean coastal setting and late-November timing provide comfortable running conditions. All registrants must present a valid heart screening test at bib collection, with no exceptions. Given the title sponsor's tendency to change over the years, this record uses the sponsor-neutral name 'Beirut Marathon' with the current sponsorship noted here.