Riyadh: The fifth annual Riyadh Marathon is set to take place at the end of January, marking the debut of its first-ever mega sports festival, the Saudi Sports for All Federation said. The marathon is being presented in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Athletics Federation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Riyadh Marathon Festival's events will take place at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh from January 25 to 31, ending with the marathon races on the final day.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Riyadh Marathon has been classified as a World Athletics Elite Road Race. Last year's races set a record with more than 40,000 male and female participants, double the roughly 20,000 runners who took part in 2024, highlighting the event's growing popularity and community engagement.
This year's marathon program will include four main races: full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), a 10 km race, and another 5 km run designed for families and beginners, promising an all-inclusive sporting experience for participants of every age and fitness level.
The marathon festival represents a unique sporting event highlighting fitness as a way of life and bringing the community together in a vibrant celebration. It is one of the Kingdom's largest public sporting events, offering a variety of programs and activities that engage all segments of society while promoting a culture of health and physical activity.
The festival reflects a strategic collaboration between the Saudi Sports for All Federation and key government partners, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Sport, in coordination with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the Saudi Athletics Federation, and the National Events Center.
These collaborative efforts aim to present a festival that showcases the Kingdom's rapid growth in sports.
The festival also receives support from key institutions, including Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh Metro, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and several private-sector partners.