Lebanon's Mountain Trails: A Race Against the Odds

Against the backdrop of recent conflicts, the 4 Seasons Mountain Trails event in Lebanon's Shouf Biosphere Reserve demonstrated the country's spirit of resilience. Hundreds of runners from various backgrounds participated in the race, tackling challenging terrain and showcasing their determination. Nayla Cortas, the race organizer, spoke about the hurdles in organizing such an event amid limited resources and unpredictable circumstances. "Because of the situation, like the war that happened in 2023 and 2024, we don't have a lot of resources, and it was really unpredictable," she explained. Despite the challenges, the event was a resounding success, with runners expressing their love for their country and their hope for a better future. Jana El Mourad, one of the participants, captured the sentiment perfectly: "During the race, I was playing some Lebanese music and I felt like I really love this land." The event served as a powerful symbol of hope and recovery for Lebanon.