Greek Flame in the 17th Beirut Marathon, Sunday, 10 November

The Marathon race has its origins in the legend of the Greek messenger, who, during the Greco-Persian wars (first half of the 5th century BC), was sent from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the assembly, exclaiming "nenikikamen" (we have won), before collapsing and dying.

The Marathon Race, a tribute to the legendary messenger who, acting with self-denial, served his city and the ideal of Freedom, will always symbolise strength, freedom, common values and the ability of the human being to overcome her/his limits.

The Greek Embassy in Lebanon, true to this heritage as well as the strong bonds of friendship that connect the Greek and Lebanese people, will support the 17th edition of Beirut Marathon, planned for the 10th November 2019, with a series of initiatives that highlight the unique character of this ancient race.

Good luck to all the competitors