More than 20,000 participants from 125 countries, a significant increase from the previous year, joined the third edition of the Riyadh Marathon on February 10, 2024. A record 60% were Saudi nationals, showcasing a the massive turn-up in local participation. The races included a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, and a 4km family run, with the start and finish line located near Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World.
The marathon attracted various participants, with over 7,200 female runners, marking a substantial increase to the previous marathons. Among the 20,000 participants, 64% were males, while 36% were females. The event main aim is to promote a healthier lifestyle and contribute to the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.
Top three elite male marathon runners were Kigen Wilfred Kirwa from Kenya, Tilahun from Ethiopia, and El Ghouz Aouar from Morocco, who received cash prizes of US$30,000, US$20,000, and US$10,000, respectively. Whereas, the leading female elite marathon runners, also receiving the same amounts respectively, Badane Bedatu Hirpa, Desta Nigist Muluneh, and Jebesa Zenebu Fikadu, who were all from Ethiopia, each putting on an amazing performance.
HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) mentioned, “In line with the mandate of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, events such as this are building a healthier, happier population. And with increasing numbers of participants from abroad, we are raising Saudi Arabia’s profile as a sporting nation.”
SFA Managing Director Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini celebrated and was proud of the remarkable 36% female participation, emphasizing its role in empowering women through sports and contributing to the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Riyadh Marathon was organized by the SFA in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Arabian Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation. The event received sponsorship from Saudi Awwal Bank, with headline sponsors including ROSHN, PepsiCo, ASICS, Twauniya, Genesis, and Al Arabiya, with cash prizes that totaled to US$197,000 were awarded to winners, with additional sponsorship from JPMorgan, Hisamitsu, Activia, L’Oréal, GSK, CALO, Kudu, Delta Sports, and MDLBeast.
