BEIRUT, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Premier Marathons (APM) kicked off on Sunday with the 16th Beirut Marathon in the Lebanese capital.
Dubbed "We fill the heart of Beirut," the Beirut Marathon 2018 witnessed around 50,000 participants from across Lebanon and around the world.
The 50th World Military Marathon Championship also took part in Beirut within the Beirut Marathon 2018, according to a release from Beirut Marathon Association.
May El Khalil, president of Beirut Marathon Association, said that the race course has been slightly improved to guarantee better performances and new event records.
"We have increased the prize money and have managed to attract elite runners of gold and silver rankings by the IAAF, which is considered a first for Beirut Marathon," she said.
Morrocan Mohamed Reda El Aaraby won the men's marathon race in 2 hours 10 minutes and 42 seconds, while Medine Deme Armino, an Ethiopian runner, finished first among the women, at 2 hours 29 minutes and 31 seconds.
As the first ever continental marathons league in the world, APM is jointly established by Beijing Marathon, Beirut Marathon, Seoul Marathon.
After Beirut, the APM season 2 will be followed by Seoul Marathon and Beijing Marathon in 2019. It will end in Beirut with the 17th edition of the Beirut Marathon in 2019.
