UNIFIL runs for peace with Lebanese at Beirut’s Marathon

Beirut Marathon 2015 organized under the slogan: Peace, Love, Run saw over 38,000 participants, Sunday November 8th, 2015.

Staff members from all UN agencies in Lebanon participated in Beirut Marathon 2015 in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.

The Head of Mission and Force Commander Maj-General Luciano Portolano ran the 10Km Fun Race.

174 military and civilian staff from UNIFIL ran the race alongside more than 38,000 participants.

UNIFIL staff member at the finish line of Beirut Marathon 10Km Fun Race.

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Maj-General Luciano Portolano and Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Imran Riza with members of Beirut Marathon Association.

Lebanese family celebrating arrival at the finish line.

Ethiopian fans after the medal distribution ceremony.

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10 Nov 2015

UNIFIL runs for peace with Lebanese at Beirut’s Marathon

UNIFIL joined the Lebanese people participating at Beirut's Marathon organised under the slogan "Peace, Love, Run", in Beirut, on 8 November 2015.

UNIFIL's Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano led the team of 174 UNIFIL peacekeepers, militaries and civilians who came to Beirut to run the marathon.

Before starting the run, Major-General Portolano said: "This is a great event and we are very happy for this opportunity to be together with a large number of Lebanese people and international community running for a common goal that unites all of us: peace." And he added: "UNIFIL has been working with the people in south Lebanon since 1978 to maintain peace and stability in the area and their support has never faded."

The event witnessed a large participation of UN staff members united in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations wearing white shirts with the logo "Strong UN, Better World."

Reaching the finish line at Beirut's Marathon, UNIFIL's Deputy Head of Mission Imran Riza said: "Participating at Beirut's Marathon is a great joy, because after 37 years of partnership between UNIFIL and Lebanon, and after 70 years of partnership between United Nations and Lebanon, running together is a sign of strong bonds and close coordination."

Messages of peace were also underlined by Lebanese participants; Pink Bride of Peace, Zeina al-Khalil who is an organiser at "Run for Peace" group thanked UNIFIL for its support to Lebanon.

She addressed UNIFIL saying, "We share a common message of peace", pointing out that working together makes anything possible as long as we are guided by our hearts.

Around 38,000 Lebanese and international runners participated at Beirut's Marathon.

The BEIRUT MARATHON Association's mission is "to organize running events that inspire unity, positively change lifestyles, promote wellness, and provide an experience of challenge, achievement, joy, and glory; for the benefit of Lebanon, both now and for generations to come".

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Article: Hiba Monzer
Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine
Video Camera: Suzane Badereddine
Photo: Pascual Gorriz Marcos
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