by reuters — Seven thousand runners from 59 Arab and foreign countries filled the streets of Beirut under the slogan “united we run for hope.” Tens of thousands used to participate in previous years. May El-Khalil, founder of the Beirut Marathon Association, said that the 2019 protests and the coronavirus pandemic, which broke out the following year, led to its suspension. The event was even a delight for spectators. “We should come and cheer and give a push to our friends to acknowledge that life continues,” said Lebanese woman Ghada Khadra who came out to support the runners. The Beirut Marathon 2021 edition, which included several options ranging from five kilometers, 13 miles, 13.1 miles for para-athletes, to the full marathon covering 26 miles, cut off traffic on most of Beirut’s streets.