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BEIRUT VIRTUAL RACE 2021

In aid of LEBANON (Lebanese Red Cross)

Five months after the tragic explosion in Beirut, which left around 300,000 people injured, more than 6,500 homeless and 204 dead, I am organizing a virtual run for beginners to the elite. I am hoping to unite runners from around the world, to raise funds in support of the Lebanese Red Cross who in turn are helping those affected by the explosion.

From January 1 - 10, you can enter the following distances: Marathon (42.2km), Half-Marathon (21.1km), 10km or 5km. This can be a race or run, depending on how you want to challenge yourself and your running buddies.

If you wish to take part in this event with a recorded time which will appear on a Leaderboard, please register at https://www.inphota.com/en/event/beirut-virtual-race-in-aid-of-lebanese-red-cross/ . You will be asked to select which distance you are taking part in.

Your time can be recorded via such as Strava, Garmin etc. which is connected to inphota.

However, same amount for all distances applies, as this is a virtual race and I am not taking any fees for organizing routes, and as I want all the money to go to charities, there are no medals, t-shirts etc.

After living 14 years in Lebanon, I moved to Dubai in 2015. My two sons are still living in the suburbs of Beirut, and so are family, friends and previous colleagues. Although I started running when I was 18 years old, it wasn’t until I moved to Lebanon in 2001, that I really entered races and runs for charities. Since then, whenever there is an opportunity to run for charity, I have taken the cause to heart having raised money for Children’s Cancer Center, Brave Heart, Breast Cancer, Disabled Children and Autism. I also ran my first Half-Marathon and Marathon in beautiful Beirut.

I have organized this event in association with Gulf for Good, a Dubai based not-for-profit that implements sustainable projects in the developing world, taking people on adventure challenges to raise money to help make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged kids. Since 2001, Gulf for Good has organized over 87 challenges, with over 1,545 participants, in 27 countries, in support of 61 children’s charities; raising over US$3.9 million, building schools, children’s homes, hospitals, and more, changing the lives of countless children around the world.

To learn more about Gulf for Good click here: https://www.gulf4good.org/

Please give generously in support of this great cause – all funds, whatever amount, are much needed and greatly appreciated.

65% of funds raised go to the Lebanese Red Cross.

25% of funds raised go to Gulf for Good (NPO in the UAE and registered UK charity) for their sustainability.

10% of funds raised go to International Humanitarian City for their emergency humanitarian response work.

The event is approved by the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, License no. 3393.

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