BEIRUT: Runners gathered in Downtown Beirut Sunday morning to participate in a 5-kilometer run by the waterfront.

The event, “I run Beirut,” was organized by the United Sports of Lebanon and sponsored by Nike.

More than 3,000 participants registered for the race, which had different categories, including men, women and juniors.

The runners gathered at 7 a.m. and started the race at the New Beirut Marina, near the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure center, going toward the American University of Beirut and then returned to the starting point.

The route was closed off to traffic between 7:30 and 10 a.m.

The race was followed by live entertainment and refreshments.

Nike says it plans on making this an annual event, according to its website.