With strong support from Saudi Sports for All, a significant portion of the Saudi Arabian population is enthusiastically embracing the world of sports, particularly running.
The Saudi Sports for All organization, in collaboration with local running groups, is orchestrating a multitude of events aimed at fostering mass participation and realizing the “Healthy Active Community” vision. From small monthly runs to major gatherings such as the Riyadh Marathon, there’s a palpable enthusiasm radiating across the community.
In a momentous achievement, the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) hosted the Riyadh Marathon in 2023, the city’s largest running event. This year’s marathon drew over 15,000 runners hailing from 120 countries, orchestrated by a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Sports, the Quality-of-Life program, and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation.
Beyond this, a consistent stream of events is taking place throughout Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all aimed at engaging more participants. Even a special Ramadan 5k night run in Wadi Hanifa managed to captivate numerous runners, despite the rain. Furthermore, the future holds the promise of more exciting marathons and events.
In response to the surge in enthusiasm for running, several running groups have emerged to offer comprehensive training programs. Prominent running clubs like R7, Riyadh Urban Runners, Adidas Runners, WeRun, the Clique, Riyadh Road Runners, and more are stepping up to guide running enthusiasts of all levels, from 5k runs to marathons. Their sessions are free to join and offer flexible timings, accommodating morning and evening runners, with some clubs even providing women-only runs.
Many of these running clubs also host their own events to promote awareness and increase physical activity. In this dynamic running landscape, Race Arabia plays a pivotal role in keeping Riyadh’s running community thriving. Their events, such as the AlUla Trail Race and Kingdom Duathlon, have been met with resounding success, showcasing the city’s iconic locations. The Kingdom Duathlon was an event that was celebrated during the Saudi National Day. The event offered a diverse range of experiences, including the Sprint Duathlon, Kids Duathlon, and a fun run for families, hosted in the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field.
Last November 11, Race Arabia hosted the “Tuwaiq Trail Race 2023,” now in its third edition. As for popular running locations, Wadi Hanifa remains a focal point where running groups congregate for their activities. The park buzzes with runners every Friday, underscoring the surging passion for running.
As the weather cools down, the training intensity for upcoming races remains high. The Riyadh running scene has evolved into a family affair, with children often joining their parents, creating a wholesome family experience. This is just the beginning of Riyadh’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for running events.
Mohammed Ameenuddin is a Project Management Professional by day and an aspiring writer/poet by night. He is a fitness fanatic, and is especially fond of long-distance running. Instagram: ameen.amster / Twitter: @ameen03
