Lebanon marathon shows support for resigned PM

By Rabie Damj

BEIRUT (AA) – Thousands of runners took part in an international marathon in Beirut on Sunday in a show of support for Lebanon's resigned prime minister, Saad Hariri.

Organized by the Beirut Marathon Association, the annual event kicked off in the Lebanese capital with the participation of more than 48,000 athletes from Lebanon and around the world.

This year's edition, however, was dedicated to Hariri, who tendered a surprise resignation last week during a televised speech from Saudi Arabia.

"This session was originally dedicated to support regional peace, but we also decided to use it to send special regards to Hariri, who missed the race for the first time," Mai Khalil, director of the Beirut Marathon Association, told Anadolu Agency.

Beirut Mayor Jamal Itani said he was sad about Hariri’s absence from the race.

Hariri has not returned to Lebanon since he announced his surprise resignation amid rumors that he was being held by Saudi Arabia.

On Saturday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who has not yet accepted Hariri’s resignation, called on organizers of the race to use the event as a "national demonstration to show solidarity" with the premier.

In his resignation speech, Hariri criticized Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, accusing them of sowing "sedition" in the region and meddling in Arab affairs.

Hariri was appointed prime minister late last year, leading a 30-member government that included Hezbollah representatives.