The 4th edition of the 5K Al Bayroutya Women’s Race on April 18th, 2010 was undoubtedly an amazing event. Each of the participants was a champ...in her own way.  Mirvat Hamzeh the Lebanese record holder of the 800m and 1500m stormed through the finish line first, with a time of 20m29s, winning the title of Queen of Beirut 2010.

Marie el Amm, aged 45, arrived 10 seconds later in a comeback race after 6 months of injury and slow recovery. Melissa Rizk, who is regaining her running form slowly but surely, was 3rd overall.  Maria Pia Nehme, Queen of Beirut 2009, who took a rain check on this race because of her scheduled marathon on May 25th 2010 in Hamburg, crowned Mirvat Hamzeh as Queen of Beirut 2010.

Mona Tamim-Augis, one week after her first place in the 55-59 cat at the Rotterdam Fortis Marathon, ran a PB on the extremely fast course dominating her age group, with second and third places going respectively to Barbara Aghajanian and Didi Sabbagh; while Myrna Saliba arrived first in her age group, followed by Her Excellency the Ambassador of Norway - Aud Lise Norheim. Many PBs were clocked: Mirvat Hamzeh, Sonia Hanna, Pascale Ingea, Mona Augis-Tamim..... and probably many others.

After the morning of sporting achievement, and following brunch, the girls went wild at the Riviera Beach and Yacht Club showing off their dancing talents and exotic moves. At this game one athlete won all titles all categories combined: Queen of the dance floor Layla Karhani. The photo speaks for itself.

The only negative aspect of the race - a problem in road closure due to internal police miscommunication - was overwhelmed by the positive vibes and the energy of the runners and guests at the beach party.

See you all next year for an amazing 5th edition of Al Bayroutya, which will be full of surprises.