Beirut Marathon Association to Host Virtual 5k to Bring Light to the City After Recent Tragedy

To support and bring relief to the people of Beirut, who are continuing to struggle after a tragic explosion in August, the Beirut Marathon Association will be hosting a global virtual 5k called Embrace Beirut. All of the proceeds collected from the virtual event will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross, who is currently providing on-site aid to the victims of the explosion.

“Our hopes from this event are to raise awareness about Beirut amongst international communities and raise funds for its victims,” said May El Khalil, President of the Beirut Marathon Association.

More than 300,000 individuals were severely affected by the explosion. A vast majority of individuals have been displaced and need medical supplies, along with basic hygienic necessities.

“Some have lost their loved ones, many have been severely injured, most were left without proper shelter, and surely all have lost a piece of their hearts,” said El Khalil.

Embrace Beirut is encouraging individuals and other organizations to support by spreading awareness for the virtual event through their own communication outlets and on social media.

“We would like most marathon associations around the world to be aware of this event and to even promote it amongst their loyal participants and audience,” said El Khalil.

The Beirut Marathon Association is partnering with the premier technology provider, haku, to help bring the virtual event to life through haku’s virtual suite of products.

“We are honored to help support the people of Beirut through our partnership with the Beirut Marathon Association and to provide innovative resources to assist in delivering an amazing participant experience throughout the event,” said Carlos Escobar, haku Founder and CEO.

“haku’s reputation and experience with handling registrations for sports events is unprecedented, and we are flattered that they are handling this event,” said El Khalil.

Registration for Embrace Beirut opens on Thursday, September 17th. The event will take place from October 1-8. We ask our partners and friends to help support the victims of Beirut by registering or donating here.

About The Beirut Marathon Association

After surviving a near-fatal accident while running, May El Khalil began to actualize her dream: from her hospital bed she oversaw the emergence of the Beirut Marathon Association. Armed with determination, unwavering resolve, and the help of her family, friends, and a dedicated team of supporters, May succeeded in establishing one of the most successful running events in the region, the Beirut International Marathon. Since the launching of that first race in 2003, the Association has grown and continued to thrive adding annual races, events, and activities that encouraged the growth of the running culture in the country. Today, the Beirut Marathon Association organizes the yearly Youth Race, Women's Race, Half Marathon and Beirut International Marathon. All this is accomplished with one goal in mind: to build the running community and culture across Lebanon with the message of peace and love. Additionally, the BMA provides logistic help and offers its know-how to different organizations and communities around Lebanon and the Middle East who want to organize races of their own.

About haku

haku is an unparalleled technology partner that forward-thinking event organizers work with to plan, manage, promote, and sell-out their events. Through state-of-the-art technology and an all-in-one platform, world-class organizations can better plan events, track progress, engage with participants, and move their events and businesses forward, all while utilizing an all-encompassing technology ecosystem. haku is trusted by organizations such as the Boston Athletic Association, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon Organization, Team In Training (LLS), J&A Racing, Houston Marathon, Big Sur Marathon, Atlanta Track Club, Philadelphia Eagles, Mercedes Benz Corporate Run, and many more.

To learn more about haku, please visit www.hakusports.com.