By Alison Kumro
This year, for the first time, Ibsar gathered a team to participate in the 2011 BLOM Beirut Marathon 10K on November 27th.Over 50 people joinedIbsar to promote the center and the environmental causes for which it works. Participants included AUB students, staff, and faculty from various departments within the university, as well as their friends and family. Thanks to the generous contributions of the team, Ibsar raised over $100 for its programs.
On the day of the marathon, most of the team gathered before the race to take pictures and do a group stretch. Despite the crowds, Ibsar team members managed to spot each other along the route and cheer each other on. The Ibsar group consisted of both runners and walkers, including Richard Brow, AUB’s VP for Advancement, and Mrs. Kathy Dorman, wife of AUB President Dorman. The Ibsar group also had two 42K runners, including Mr. Elias Khater from the Olayan School of Business, who was running his third marathon and achieved a personal best.
Ibsar’s group represented one of many causes being promoted at the Beirut Marathon. Ibsar Director, Dr. Najat Saliba commented, “When I first decided to run the 10K, I was motivated by Ibsar’s cause. However, at the marathon, I felt part of a much bigger cause, which included all the causes and charities present at the marathon.”
The 10K proved to be a fun and productive event for Ibsar and its participants.Dr. Noel Ghanem, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology, and one of the first Ibsar team members to cross the finish line said, “The Beirut marathon and 10K run were a great success. I enjoyed it and was very happy to be part of our Ibsar team.”Next year, Ibsar hopes to gather an even larger group and work with other AUB organizations to increase the university’s presence at the marathon.