The BLOOM Beirut Marathon 2011

BEIRUT: The ninth BLOM Beirut Marathon saw its men’s and women’s 42 kilometer records smashed Sunday with one of the finest results years since its inception in 2003.
Tariku Jufar and Seada Kedir, both of Ethiopia, who broke the men’s and women’s Beirut Marathon records with times of 2:11:14 and 2:31:38 respectively.
Lebanese Paralympics bronze medalist Edward Maalouf coasted home in the special needs category with a time of 1:25:05 to win the men’s section while Kerstin Abel of Germany collected the women’s gold with a time of 2:04:50.
More than 32,000 runners from more than 80 countries participated in the full slate of events, which included the Marathon, and 10Km and 5Km fun runs. The Marathon course was modified this year to become more efficient, safe and interesting for runners. Edwin Moses, the legendary 400m hurdler and President of the Laureus Academy, fired the starter’s gun for the Marathon, and he also presented the women’s division awards. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Tegla Laroupe presented the men’s awards.