Team Walid: Running Beyond Boundaries in Beirut

Team Walid was a pioneering running crew based in Beirut, Lebanon, founded in January 2014. At a time when running in Lebanon was mostly associated with elite athletes and a small social circle, Walid Elkabbani took a different path. He began inviting friends to join him for runs in the suburbs of Beirut, and gradually this casual group blossomed into a dedicated running crew. Named after Walid himself, who also served as the team’s coach, Team Walid grew out of the Beirut Marathon Association’s 542 program, which aimed to bring new runners into the marathon community.

Running With No Rules Spirit The crew’s philosophy was simple and inclusive. Team Walid embraced runners of all levels—from beginners to professionals—without judgment or pressure. Their unofficial motto emphasized enjoyment over competition: whether fast or slow, every member was welcome to run freely, with no rigid rules. This ethos challenged the traditional running culture in Lebanon and opened the sport to a diverse community eager to learn and improve together.

A Mosaic of Runners United Over the years, Team Walid became a vibrant mix of individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds. The team welcomed members from varied religious, cultural, and social groups, creating a rare space of equality and support. Many members joined battling personal struggles such as addiction, depression, or health issues, and found in the crew a new source of strength and self-esteem. By the time the crew reached about 80 active runners, it had become more than a team—it was a family that motivated each other to keep moving despite life’s challenges.

Regular Runs Anchored in Community Team Walid’s activities centered around group runs scheduled mainly in the evenings and weekends, often meeting at Zaituna Bay. While specific run distances and paces varied to accommodate all members, the common thread was a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. These runs became social occasions as much as training sessions, helping build bonds and a strong sense of belonging.

Joining a Growing Movement Although the official 542 program concluded after the 2014 marathon, Team Walid continued to thrive, inviting friends of friends and steadily expanding. Prospective members were encouraged to join without any formal barriers, emphasizing inclusivity and mutual encouragement. The crew’s legacy lies in how it transformed casual runners into dedicated athletes and lifelong friends.

Changing Beirut’s Running Landscape Team Walid played a crucial role in shifting Beirut’s running scene from an exclusive domain into a popular urban activity. It helped break down barriers and inspired other grassroots groups to form, contributing to a growing culture of recreational running and community fitness across the city.

Running Through the Heart of Beirut Beirut’s dynamic and sometimes chaotic atmosphere served as the backdrop for Team Walid’s runs. The city’s blend of historic neighborhoods, seaside promenades, and bustling streets provided varied and challenging routes that connected runners to their urban environment and to each other.

Iconic Routes Along the Coastline Typical runs often followed the Mediterranean coastline around Zaituna Bay, weaving through vibrant cityscapes and green parks. These scenic routes offered both inspiring views and a tangible sense of place, reinforcing the crew’s connection to Beirut’s unique character.

Anchored by the Beirut Marathon The annual Beirut Marathon was a highlight and a unifying event for Team Walid. It was the milestone that brought the crew together initially and remained their annual goal. Participation in this race symbolized not only athletic achievement but also personal transformation and community resilience cultivated throughout the year.