More than 250 LAUers powered through the 2025 Beirut International Marathon on May 1 at the Beirut Waterfront, embracing a range of roles, from running for fun and competing alongside professional athletes to volunteering, cheering, and providing medical support.

“Not only do we have over 20 runners competing in the 21K and 10K runs, but we’re also leading with volunteers at various stations and medical tents, all aimed at maximizing LAU’s impact,” said Lead Director of the Athletics Department Joe Moujaes at the start of the race.

Despite the marathon coinciding with finals season, student-athletes showed up in full force—running, volunteering, and supporting their teammates and the wider LAU community.

Underscoring the culture of commitment that drives LAU’s athletic spirit, Moujaes said: “We have two coaches, one for long distance and one for short distance, who work year-round with our athletes.”

LAU’s health entities, both the LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital and the LAU Medical Center–Saint John’s Hospital, served as the official medical partners for this national event, which drew more than 12,000 participants. A primary medical tent was set up at the start and finish line, with additional ones at Corniche El Nahr and Dbayeh to handle medical emergencies during the marathon.

“We have around 70 medical personnel, doctors, nurses and paramedical teams, and volunteers from LAU stationed across the three medical tents fully equipped to treat a wide range of health conditions, from soft tissue injuries and cuts to abrasions, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, and heart attacks,” said Dr. Rachid Rahme, chief of emergency section at the LAU Medical Center–Saint John’s Hospital and medical director of the Beirut Marathon Association. “We are ready to provide services like incubation, suturing, and rapid blood tests. It’s like a small field hospital.”

Joey Angelil, a fourth-year computer engineering student and member of the Varsity Track and Field team, has been training four to five times a week for the past year under coach Karim Ramadan.

Celebrating his performance in the 21K run, he said, “I hit my personal record, and the energy here is incredible.” Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the event, he added, “It brings Lebanon together, showing unity and that hope still exists.”

Freshman Sarah Ghazal had joined the LAU volunteers who donned caps and gowns to cheer on friends and fellow LAUers at the 5K race because she wanted to “show support and sportsmanship to everyone participating.”

For second-year graphic design student Haya Houssari, the 5K run was the perfect opportunity to participate in her first marathon.

Capping off the day with a proud moment for the university, LAU’s own Mohammad Shouaib—a fourth-year computer science student—took home third place overall in the 10K run for the 20–34 age group, crossing the finish line in 34 minutes and 21 seconds.

Meanwhile, first-year industrial engineering student Samir Sabeh Ayoun took first place in the under-20 category of the same race, clocking in at 37 minutes and 17 seconds. Both students were honored for their achievements during the awards ceremony following the event.