It was a great run, which is so important in this city, often depicted in the media only in a negative way (because of the political situation). The sport is so important and can give a very positive image of a country, which Lebanon needs. Being a Dane in this country, I truly hope more major sports events will take place, along with further running events for various causes. Hopefully the US can give inspiration for Lebanon; you have so many great sports events.

I hope I will run this year's marathon in Beirut, as the last couple of years I have been unable due to pregnancy, etc.

OK, admittedly I don't have any other marathons to compare it to, so the fact that it was my first made it extra special. Beirut is a vibrant, buzzing and amazing city full of incredibly friendly people. The number of international entrants (and local entrants) was fairly low, therefore me and my fellow British running partner received a warm welcome from the organizers personally and also got interviewed for a variety of Middle Eastern TV channels, which was great fun. The race itself was fairly tough. The first 10K are run alongside the Fun Run, so there's lots of entertainment and cheering. Then after that, the crowds fade away a bit and there are some long stints where you're pounding the streets alone on the outskirts of Beirut. However, overall, the route is very good and you get to see a variety of different neighborhoods and cool landmarks. Also, everything is well organized so there were drinks and fruit stops every 5K or so to keep you going. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!

Though I gave only 3 stars for spectators, Beirut was a big, eye-opening surprise for me, as the locals were so nice and friendly and helpful. I went to Beirut planning to hide away until run day, but it really was a safe and great place. I will take my wife there next time.

I ran the 2005 (3rd) edition and had a fantastic time running this marathon. With no more than 400 participants, starting 5 min earlier than the 10k and big wide car-free concrete streets you have a clear road right from the start to run on your own pace. A lot of good water- and fruit stations on a beautiful course. The last 100 meters are a bit too steep for a marathon in my opinion. Organization and expo was very good and a lot of dancers, flags, music, balloons (the first 10k) and inspirational banners throughout the course make it very entertaining. Some parts of the marathon had a lot a spectators, some none. The main event, that got the most attention, is the 10k, not the marathon! Nevertheless I had a great run and can recommend this warm and hilly marathon.

Overseas entrant and this was my second marathon and not an enjoyable experience, partly my fault and partly because of the poor organisation:

1.There was NO SPORTS DRINKS PROVIDED, can you belived it.
2. This is really a 10k race and the Marathon apperas to be an inconvenience to the organisers, only a few hundred entrants to the marathon and a lonely course.
3. Hot damn hot on route and Hills damn hills but this was my fault as I didnt put in enough hill work, so be warned its hilly hilly hilly.
4. Expensive city but I wish them all the best for the future as I know they have problems.
ONCE AGAIN....
NO SPORTS DRINK ALTHOUGH THEY SAID THEY WOULD PROVIDE (GATORADE) ON THE WEB SITE AND IN PRE RACE PACK,as you can tell in still in shock over this AND FOR THIS REASON ALONE I SAY DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS EVENT

I'm a native Lebanese born and raised in the states. I have been involved in national (USA) cross country races and marathons for almost 12 years and know my way around the events. I used the Beirut Marathon as an excuse to see Lebanon for the first time and thought the experience to be amazing. The fans and the course were amazing and the scenery breathtaking, but the organization was slightly off at the beginning (it was all straightened out before the race started). For such a new race, it has potential to grow beyond international standards within the next few years!

Catastrophic start, 3 minutes earlier than announced, no Champion Chip carpet at the start line, no other Champion Chip carpet during the course, no split time, no indication of distance run, and no 1/2 marathon signaling. 650 marathoners were squeezed between 8,000 10K runners/walkers for more than 20 minutes, thus affecting their nerves and performance. Even elite runners came from behind the 10K participants. The only positive part was the water/food stations. Organizers should lift this event to higher standard if they wish to ensure its perpetuity.

Having lived in Lebanon for many years, I know how easy it is for all kinds of things to go wrong in organizing anything. I was therefore very, very impressed with the smoothness with which this event took place and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the 10 Km 'fun run'.

It was one of the best experiences of my life. This marathon was really special in every way, and I am planning to run it every year.

It was great, especially the organization, no traffic and a nice weather (just a little bit hot at the end). However a small problem with the mark of the km, especially at the end and I regret there was not a category for those over 50 (I am 54 and we need support at that age).