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Remembering all the amazing friendships that we have built
because of the marathon, gives us the feeling of being a very part
of the fiber of Lebanon. As Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud said,
“the marathon is an idea that resembles a country.”
Through these years we
have been gradually woven into the hopes and aspirations of our
great nation which humbles us. Our one constant objective has been
to serve the future of the nation, knowing that the values of a
runner are strong and define character. Each runner is driven by
the desire to win, the ability to persevere, the courage to
participate. It is these same qualities that we wish to see in our
future leaders.
In creating each race, we
crisscrossed the country, meeting with school children and thousands
who want to run and support the race. The Beirut Marathon is
determined to increase the number of elite athletes Lebanon produces
and aims to have a runner capable of winning an Olympic marathon
gold medal by 2020.
The marathon is alive. It
is breathing and growing, and it is that life that we want to
breathe into the souls of each and every Lebanese. In 2009 our dream
will flourish. It is time for everyone to run. If not now then
when else but now. It’s time to run!
Sunday December 6, 2009 is
the date for the Blom Beirut Marathon. On that day, Beirut will
witness for the seventh time an international sports celebration,
powered with the spirit of love, challenge, glory, faith, hope, and
competition between all the participants. Of course we must thank
all our sponsors and partners for their support as we prepare for
this race for their invaluable support and commitment.
Congratulations to Beirut, congratulations to Lebanon – we will all
be there!
May El Khalil
President
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