From Beirut to Amsterdam: How Tony Hanna broke a 15-year-old record

On Amsterdam’s notorious streets, Tony Hanna ran himself into the history books. The 40-year-old athlete, sponsored by Let’s Run club clocked 2:19:46 at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, breaking Hussein Awada’s 2010 national record of 2:20:31, a mark that had stood untouched for fifteen years.

“Honestly, I felt a deep inner sentiment,” he tells The Beiruter. Hanna found it difficult to describe the moment. He says, “I was extremely emotional. I just knew the significance. It was the result of years of preparation and persistence.”

The achievement came during the marathon’s 50th anniversary edition, a race known for producing world-class times thanks to its flat course and meticulous pacing. Among thousands of runners, Hanna’s performance stood out not only for its technical perfection but for what it represents: a breakthrough for Lebanese long-distance running.

At 40, Hanna defied conventional expectations in a sport often dominated by younger athletes. “Out of 30,000 participants, I placed 44th overall, and first in my age category”. His half-marathon mark was right on target, and his final stretch, fueled by grit, experience, and pride sealed his name in Lebanese athletics history.

Crossing the finish line

Behind Hanna’s record-breaking moment was a network of quiet support and shared belief. “My wife was with me at the time, and my friends and training team celebrated my return at the airport,” he recalled with a smile. “Let’s Run, my sponsor, and the Saradar foundation, helped me reach Amsterdam and supported me throughout. I also coach my own group, Tony’s Team, and they were all there to celebrate with me.”

His preparation, he explained, was just as collective. “We do what we call a ‘marathon block,’ roughly three to four months of focused training,” Hanna said. “I trained between Beirut and the mountains often on steep terrain to build endurance and mental strength. We ran between the city’s chaos and the calm of high altitudes, pushing through the limits of fatigue.”

Those months demanded more than physical readiness. “It takes a lot mentally and emotionally,” he said. “It takes a lot, years and years of trial and error. It’s not something that can happen overnight.”

A new era for Lebanese running

Hanna’s record isn’t just about speed; it’s about belief and possibility. For fifteen years, Awada’s record seemed untouchable, especially given Lebanon’s limited infrastructure, scarce resources, and lack of frequent international racing opportunities. Hanna told The Beiruter, “Lebanon has talent, but there are few opportunities and no widespread infrastructure. Schools and clubs exist, but access is limited.

However, by breaking this record, Hanna has not only raised the bar but also opened a path for future Lebanese athletes. “This record is historic for Lebanon,” he said. “No one had run under 2:20 before. Improving it by over a minute is huge, it sets a new standard and shows that, despite limited support, Lebanese runners can achieve world-class results.”

For Hanna, running under 2:20 is both a personal triumph and a signal to the athletics community: with discipline, preparation, and persistence, excellence is possible even in challenging conditions. His achievement now sets a benchmark, inspiring a new generation to dream bigger and run faster.

Advice for the next generation

Hanna’s message to aspiring athletes is simple but powerful: “You have to be persistent and smart about it. Results don’t come overnight, they come with time. Never give up. Keep returning to your dream and working toward it consistently.”

For Hanna, running under 2:20 is both a personal triumph and a signal to the athletics community: with discipline, preparation, and persistence, excellence is possible even in challenging conditions. His achievement now sets a benchmark, inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, and run faster.