Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Beirut Marathon is the Lebanese capital's flagship race, a largely flat course tracing the Mediterranean corniche and the city's seafront on a route that has come to symbolize resilience and unity. The gentle coastal profile is reasonably fast, though the open seaside stretches bring wind and sun into play in the November staging. It draws a large, spirited field in a celebration of peace and community that gives the event its distinctive emotional weight. The flat terrain rewards steady effort along the waterfront. It suits runners who want a meaningful, atmosphere-rich race on the Mediterranean coast over a flat-out fast time.
Course Insight
Beirut runs in mild November along the Mediterranean corniche, a mostly flat coastal course in pleasant autumn conditions. The level seafront terrain leaves pacing restraint to you on the open stretches. Sea breeze is the main variable to manage. The setting is scenic and the crowds spirited. Pace it evenly and the flat coastal route delivers a steady day.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 135m
- Elevation loss
- 135m
- Highest point
- 30m
- Lowest point
- 1m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Beirut Waterfront (General Wissam El Hassan Avenue)
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:10:34 — Gaddisa Dekeba (Ethiopia), 2023
- Women's
- 2:27:48 — Mulugojam Ambi (Ethiopia), 2023
Race History
The Beirut Marathon was first held in 2003, founded by May El-Khalil as a message of peace and unity for Lebanon. Its largely flat course along the Mediterranean corniche grew to symbolize resilience, becoming a spirited national celebration as much as a race. From its founding it expanded into the region's largest marathon, drawing runners across Lebanon's divisions. Run each November, it now draws a large, passionate field to the seafront of the capital.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Beirut–Rafic Hariri (BEY)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown Centre Ville for proximity to the route, Hamra for lively central stays, and Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael for trendy, characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is at Beirut Waterfront on General Wissam El Hassan Avenue, facing the Beirut Municipality on Weygand Street; take a taxi or walk from central hotels, with the finish downtown at Martyrs' Square.