Lebanon Gears Up For the Beirut Marathon Next November

The largest running event in the Middle East, the Beirut marathon is set to begin this year on November 9. Founded in 2003 by May El-Khalil, an inspiring woman who transformed her personal tragedy into a healing project, the marathon has since its beginnings been linked to social causes.

This year, an Instagram campaign launched by a renowned atelier is raising funds through a social media campaign advocating for the Lebanese Autism Society (LAS).

Started by Sarah Sarah Beydon, founder of Sarah’s Bag, the campaign took off on Instagram, where people nominate others on social media to participate in the coming Beirut Marathon or donate money to LAS, in an attempt to raise $120,000, according to the Daily Star.

Inspired by the Ice Bucket Challenge, Beydoun posted a photo of herself on Instagram and Facebook in early October, holding a paper that read: “Sarah’s Bag is ready to run crowd fund for the Lebanese Autism Society.” The campaign, which now counts with the support of prominent designers such as Elie Saab, can be seen on Instagram.

All these businesses are ready to crowd find for the @lebaneseautisimsociety ! and @linashamma @madamereveaccessories @joueclubliban @labelhub@garageluxe @suzcoffenar @medco_sal @mimishkahhhh @cherinemagrabi @rymcogram @echarfan you all have been challenged #crowdfundforlas #runforautism #lebaneseautismsociety i

A video posted by Sarah’s Bag (@sarahsbag) on Oct 10, 2014 at 9:26am PDT