AEThis photo essay documents the formation and activities of Syria's 963 Running Club, which was established to promote a running culture in the aftermath of the Assad regime's fall in 2024. Founded by Jawad Ibrahim and Ghaith Kanawati, the club organizes weekly training sessions and has grown to include over 50 runners. The article highlights the club's efforts to revive physical activity and community engagement, culminating in the first Damascus Marathon held in July 2026. The marathon, organized as 'version zero' by event organizer Ala Aldin Meriden, attracted participants from Syria and neighboring countries, with the race covering a 21.1km course through historical sites in Damascus. The club continues to meet regularly, often ending runs with coffee and traditional Syrian breakfasts.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced narrative of the 963 Running Club's formation and activities without overtly favoring any political ideology. While the club's emergence occurs in the context of post-Assad Syria, the focus remains on community building and sports, rather than political advocacy. The
