2026 Rolling Half Marathon
The 2026 Rolling Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, starting in Selaata, a historic inland town in the Keserwan District of Lebanon, and finishing in Jbeil (Byblos), a coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea. Based on historical weather patterns for this time of year, temperatures in Selaata are expected to range from 6°C to 12°C, with partly cloudy conditions and light winds. The course, a 21.1 km road race, descends from the elevated terrain of Selaata through lush valleys and traditional villages before reaching the coastal finish in Jbeil. Participants can expect a mix of rolling and downhill terrain, with changing scenery and a final stretch along the Mediterranean Sea. The event offers both individual and relay formats, with a total of 1,500 participants across both options.
What is the event name and date?
The event is called the 2026 Rolling Half Marathon and will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
What are the start and finish locations?
The event starts in Selaata, a historic inland town in the Keserwan District of Lebanon, and finishes in Jbeil (Byblos), a coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea in Lebanon.
What is the race distance?
- →Half Marathon (21.1 km)
What are the race formats available?
- →Individual Half Marathon (21.1 km): Open to runners aged 16+
- →Relay Half Marathon (21.1 km, 4 runners): Teams of four share the distance; minimum age 8+ per runner
What is the start time of the event?
The event starts at 7:00 AM (UTC+2).
What is the cut-off time for the event?
The cut-off time for the event is 3 hours.
What is the course description?
The course is a point-to-point road half marathon that descends from the elevated terrain of Selaata down to the Mediterranean coast. It begins at Selaata Stadium and winds through Lebanon's diverse landscapes, including lush green valleys and traditional Lebanese villages, before transitioning to coastal stretches as runners approach the finish. The course offers changing scenery throughout, culminating at Jbeil's historic Fishermen's Port with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The predominantly downhill-to-rolling profile provides a scenic yet physically engaging challenge.
What is the maximum number of participants?
The event has a limited field of 1,500 participants total across both formats.
What aid stations will be available during the race?
Aid stations will be provided every 3 km, offering Aquafina water. Gatorade will be available at km 15, and bananas will be provided at the finish line.
Is baggage transport available?
Yes, baggage transport is provided from the start (Selaata Stadium) to the finish (Jbeil).
What medical support will be available?
Medical support will be provided by the Lebanese Red Cross on the course and at the finish line. A LAU–St. John mobile clinic will also be present at the finish line.
What is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is February 1, 2026.
Where can participants register?
Participants can register via beirutmarathon.org.
How much does registration cost?
- →Individual: $40 USD (includes bib, timing, technical shirt, medal, LAF fee)
- →Relay team (4 runners): $120 USD total
What is included in the registration?
Registration includes a bib, timing, technical shirt, medal, and LAF fee for individual runners.
What are the age requirements for participation?
- →Individual Half Marathon: Runners must be at least 16 years old
- →Relay Half Marathon: Each runner must be at least 8 years old
What is the weather like in Selaata on the event date?
Based on historical weather patterns, temperatures in Selaata on February 8, 2026, are expected to range from 6°C to 12°C, with partly cloudy conditions and light winds.
What clothing recommendations are provided for participants?
Participants are advised to pack warm layers for pre-race and immediate post-race use, as there is likely to be a temperature variation from the cooler inland Selaata to the milder coastal Jbeil. Baggage drop is available at the start for retrieval at the finish.