Our Successful Partnership with Beirut Marathon Association’s ‘Right 2 Run’

In the Heart of Lebanon, the Beirut Marathon Association have been working hard to ensure everyone has the ‘Right 2 Run’, (R2R), and where better to start than with the future generation? Right 2 Run aims to equip the youth with tools needed for their personal development through sport. From transforming stereotypes to encouraging civic engagement, the Beirut Marathon Association contributes to peace making in a new way.  

In an effort to grow and nurture the culture of running in Lebanon, the Beirut Marathon Association has partnered with us here at Penny Appeal to introduce the R2R initiative in underprivileged areas through various running events. Five regions were chosen for the collaboration of local and international non-government organisations to bring together children from different religions, nationalities, and socio-economic backgrounds: these included Tripoli, Beirut, Shanay, Aamchit, and Deir El Ahmar. 

We’re thrilled to share that the Right 2 Run race was a phenomenal success and over 1200 children have so far benefitted from our partnership in Lebanon. Using running as an outlet for opening conversations about peace making, the objective of the programme is to instil four core values into the hearts of the children. Firstly, tolerance; more specifically, respecting others regardless of differences and being inclusive of one another. Secondly, resilience: children are encouraged to learn self-discipline, integrity, and how to bounce back from situations they previously may have reacted aggressively to. Next up is fair play: this initiative aims to teach children essential team-work skills, as well as responsibility, accountability, and collaboration. Last but not least, wellbeing: running provides endless physical and mental benefits, especially for children; it teaches balance and positivity.  

We spoke to Executive Director Soraya Barbir, Executive Director of Beirut Marathon Association, who was blown away by how successful the initiative has been, and was surprised at how many participants joined simply through word of mouth about the project. Soraya said: ‘’We have completed the Right to Run initiative for this year and I am thrilled to say that it was a huge success that was shared with the Lebanese public on every occasion.’’ The success has been shared on television channels such as MTV during the sports and news segment, and has had a profound impact on so many children. 

Here at Penny Appeal, we believe that everyone has a right to get involved in initiatives such as this, especially when the physical and mental benefits are so evident. Knowing that our partnership has benefitted over 1200 children is a source of immense pride and inspiration. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Right 2 Run, the Beirut Marathon, and Penny Appeal’s involvement going forward. We hope to bring many more smiles to children’s faces in 2024. 

If you’re feeling inspired by the Right 2 Run initiative, why not take a look at our Challenges page? We’re heading to Lebanon for the Beirut Marathon in November on an extra special field trip with our very own CEO, Ridwana Wallace-Laher. There are still limited spaces available!