Thomas A. Abraham

Founder and Chairman

Thomas A. Abraham, a Lebanese American business entrepreneur and avid runner, intertwines his business acumen with an unwavering dedication to philanthropy. Participating in numerous marathons over the years, he has championed causes that hold personal significance, notably those in his birth country, Lebanon, as well as others like the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1952, he was adopted at four by Genevieve and Anthony R. Abraham, respected for their entrepreneurial and philanthropic contributions. After immersing himself in studies at the University of Miami and the University of Denver during the 1970s, Thomas navigated his journey into various business and philanthropic engagements.

Currently, Thomas steers the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation as Chairman, a foundation inaugurated by his parents in 1976. He also chairs The Beirut Foundation - USA, which he established in 2021, and took the initiative in 2023 to found the Beirut Marathon Foundation. The latter harnesses the power of marathons worldwide, raising funds and awareness for various causes around the globe, with a particular focus on communities in the United States. Furthermore, Thomas is deeply embedded in several family enterprises, holding positions as president and partner.

In a historic move, the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, the National Governing Body for Paralympic blind soccer, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, appointed Thomas as a sport ambassador for blind soccer. This appointment, a testament to his philanthropic endeavors, marked an inaugural occurrence in the domain of U.S. Paralympic sports.

Additionally, Thomas contributes actively to numerous charitable organizations, holding positions as a Board Member at Camillus Health and House Concern, City Year, the Rene Moawad Foundation, and the American Task Force for Lebanon. His involvement extends to the Beirut Marathon Association and the Lebanese American University as a trustee, and he is an Emeritus Board Member for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In a fusion of his affinity for arts, sports, and charitable initiatives, Thomas founded the StarArt Foundation in Miami. This non-profit melds the creativity and star power of international artists, athletes, and entertainers with corporate sponsorship to spearhead projects benefiting various charities and humanitarian causes, capitalizing on the synergies between sports, music, and art industries.

A particular endeavor that holds a special place in his heart is the "Help Us Rise"; relief initiative, managed by The Beirut Foundation and backed by the support of the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation. This initiative extends a compassionate hand to those impacted by the harrowing explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020, by directing funds into projects and supporting local NGOs. It provides essential aid to a city and its inhabitants profoundly shaken by one of the most catastrophic explosions in recorded history.

Enriching the world through philanthropy, particularly within sports and arts, Thomas A. Abraham remains committed to endorsing initiatives and causes that catalyze positive transformation. His dedicated efforts not only embody his personal mission but also serve to inspire and establish a legacy of transformative positive impact.

Mo’ath Alkhawaldeh

President

Mo’ath Alkhawaldeh, a distinguished figure in the world of running and sports, serves as the President of the Beirut Marathon Foundation. Currently employed at Princeton University in Washington DC as the Regional Manager for MENA programs, Mo's impact on the running community has been acknowledged globally. He has been featured in Runner's World as one of the top 50 Most Influential People in Running worldwide and is a recipient of the 2017 Athletes in Excellence Award from the Foundation for Global Sports Development. His achievements extend beyond his professional responsibilities, as he actively participates in mentorship and community outreach as a Beirut Marathon Ambassador. Mo’s dedication to sports is evident through his impressive marathon achievements, representing Jordan in major international races. He is committed to enhancing access to sports for underprivileged youths in the Middle East and North Africa. Currently, he is training rigorously to represent Jordan in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Tiana Abdulmassih

Board Member

Tiana Abdulmassih, a Harvard University alumna and a seasoned athlete, is a Board Member of the Beirut Marathon Foundation. Working in San Francisco as a Relationship Manager for Enterprise customers at LinkedIn, Tiana’s journey in athletics began with her participation in the varsity women’s rowing team at Harvard. It was during her university years that she discovered her passion for running, leading to her qualification and participation in the Boston Marathon. Tiana, who grew up in the United States, has deep roots in Beirut, where she was first introduced to the Middle Eastern running community during the Beirut Marathon in 2016. As a dual American-Lebanese citizen, she actively competes for both the Impala Racing Team in San Francisco and InterLebanon in Beirut. Tiana is driven by a mission to inspire Middle Eastern girls and women to pursue sports for health, independence, and happiness. Holding the third fastest marathon time for Lebanese women, she continues to represent Lebanon in international competitions, including the World Cross Country Championships in Australia (2023) and the Arab Cross Country Championships in Bahrain (2022).

Chirine Njeim

Board Member

Chirine Njeim, a versatile athlete with an impressive Olympic background, is a member of the Beirut Marathon Foundation's Board. Originally from Lebanon, Chirine has competed in three Olympics (2002, 2006, 2010) in Alpine skiing, showcasing her exceptional athletic prowess. Post-2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, she relocated to Chicago, where she transitioned from skiing to marathon running, inspired by her sister Nesrine who us a competitive runner. Her debut in the Chicago Marathon was a remarkable success, finishing with a time of 3:07, which ignited her passion for running. Chirine’s performance in the Beirut Marathon was outstanding, recording a top time of 2:49, establishing her as Lebanon's premier long-distance runner. Her dedication and talent led her to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics with a time of 2:44 in the Houston Marathon. Chirine stands out as a rare athlete who has competed in both the Winter and Summer Olympics, continuing to train and compete with dedication and fervor.