So many column inches are used up to bemoan certain deficiencies within Lebanese sport – not least on these pages – but barely a negative word could be said about the Beirut Marathon. Negative headlines in Lebanon aren’t without good reason – that’s why it is so satisfying that at least once a year a sporting event is guaranteed to put on a show and exhibit exactly what potential lies here.

The Beirut Marathon is still very much in its infancy but considering its modest roots, with only eight years of experience behind it, the achievements are remarkable. When put alongside other organizations and governing bodies in Lebanon, there is really no comparison.

There are still logistical improvements to be made but they will come with time and experience. The quality of runners attracted to the event improves year-on-year and thanks to the Beirut Marathon “Bronze Level” status acquired last year, the standards will rise again this year.

There are “gold standard” runners entering this year whose personal best stand at nearly 10 minutes faster than the winning time last year – 2:16:43 by Mohammad Tamam of Ethopia.

For all the impressive work on race day, including the 10 km run that becomes more popular each year, as well as various small runs to encourage children and parents to participate, the Beirut Marathon’s best work is done away from the track.

With no running culture existing in Lebanon before the Beirut Marathon, the organization have worked tirelessly to generate a public interest in the sport and the results are clear to see.

The Beirut Marathon now has regular elite youth training programs up and down the country, finding and recruiting young talent that will certainly grow up to smash the current Lebanese records.

Lebanon’s current record holder Hussein Awada is on the wrong side of 35 years of age but his year-on-year improvements are raising new standards and inspiring young athletes to take up the mantle. Awada has received consistent support from the Beirut Marathon Association who have sent him around the world to train with the likes of Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie as well as to compete across Europe.

Since the Beirut Marathon’s inception in 2003, Awada has improved from a relatively pedestrian 2:47:03 to a new Lebanese record 2:20:31, a jump of 27 minutes, a considerable jump in marathon terms especially considering Awada’s age.

With Awada, the Beirut Marathon Association have proved not only that they can produce an international caliber event, but that they can produce and nurture international standard athletes.

The organizations driving force May al-Khalil has already been recognized by the prestigious “Laureus” awards for her role in temporarily uniting a nation every year and her determination to create a world class event in Lebanon ensures that in the future the amount of negative column inches about Lebanese sport can only decrease.

The Beirut Marathon’s Gold and Silver standard athletes:The two-time reigning Beirut Marathon champion Mohammad Tamam looks set to lose his crown this year with the introduction of gold and silver standard runners that have been attracted to the event due to the Beirut Marathon’s newly earned “Bronze Level” certification.

Men’s

- Solomon Molla Ethiopia 2.08.46

- Tariku Jufar Ethiopia 2.08

- Larbi Es-Sraidi France 2:10

- Julius Kilimo Kenya 2.11.26

- James Rotich Kenya 2:07

Women’s

- Diana Lobacevske Lithuania 2:28:03

- Bizunesh Urgesa Mohammad Ethiopia 2:31