In the aftermath of the 2006 war, the Beirut Marathon Association chose not to cancel their event, but rather to hold it as a testament to Lebanese resilience. Despite devastation and political upheaval, the marathon took place with 22,000 people, in solidarity, running or walking the 5 km, 10 km and 42 km races with 'For the Love of Lebanon' as the theme.—Deborah Harse