Lebanese women run in support of their rights in the Beirut Marathon amidst criticism form some SM activists

The Beirut Marathon organized yesterday its second women marathon under the slogan of “run forward… enough going back” and under the auspices of first lady Wafa Suleyman.  In her keynote address before the start of the 5 kms run, Suleyman noted that this occasion is a civilized message which calls on women to realize her potentials.  She is added that this is a different message since it is carried through sports which is part of everybody’s life.  The president of the Beirut Marathon, May el Khalil, noted that this is a sports event.  She highlighted the principles of her organizations namely its national and humanitarian values and its endeavor to support causes that are critical to the Lebanese society.
Some 9117 women and men participated in the marathon of who some 836 runners participated in the 10 kms run which was won by Ethiopian national Aregu Abbatte.  The special 5 kms marathon for people with disabilities was won by Rita Saadeh and the regular 5 kms by Manal Tayyar.  Some sixty organizations took part in this event many of whom work on women’s rights issues, violence against women, early marriage and sexual harassment.

To be noted that a number of social media activists had launched a counter slogan entitled “run for free and independently”.  Their move was in reaction to what they perceived as an exploitation of women’s causes and the exclusion of poor women who are mostly in need of protection of their rights.  The activists asked the organizers to be financially transparent and not to use women as a profit making commodity.

Source: Al-Hayat, The Daily Star 5 May 2014