The third edition of the Riyadh Marathon, organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation, saw more than 20,000 participants from 125 countries, including a record 60% Saudi nationals.
The Riyadh Marathon, which took place on February 10, 2024, was a successful event that promoted health, happiness, and social inclusion among the participants and the spectators. The event, which was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Arabian Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation, offered four races for runners of all ages and abilities: the full marathon (42.2km), the half marathon (21.1km), the 10km, and the 4km family run.
The event also featured a Marathon Village, located next to Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World, where visitors could enjoy various activities, such as fitness classes, entertainment shows, food stalls, and interactive games. The Marathon Village also hosted the award ceremony for the winners of the races, who received cash prizes totaling US$197,000.
The event attracted more than 20,000 participants, an increase of more than 33% from the previous edition, which had 15,000 runners in 2023. The event also saw a significant increase in female runners, exceeding 7,200, which represented 36% of the total participants. The event also drew participants from 125 countries, reflecting the diversity and openness of Saudi Arabia.
A competitive race for elite runners
The Riyadh Marathon also showcased the talent and performance of elite runners from around the world, who competed for the top prizes in the full marathon and the half marathon. The winners of the races were:
- Full marathon (men): Kigen Wilfred Kirwa of Kenya, who finished the race in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 49 seconds, followed by Tilahun Abe Gashahun of Ethiopia, who came in second with 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds, and El Ghouz Anouar of Morocco, who came in third with 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 11 seconds. The winners received US$30,000, US$20,000, and US$10,000 respectively.
- Full marathon (women): Badane Bedatu Hirpa of Ethiopia, who finished the race in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 18 seconds, followed by Desta Nigist Muluneh of Ethiopia, who came in second with 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 29 seconds, and Jebesa Zenebu Fikadu of Ethiopia, who came in third with 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 8 seconds. The winners received the same amounts as the men’s winners.
- Half marathon (men): Kipkemoi Kiprono of Kenya, who finished the race in 1 hour, 1 minute, and 9 seconds, followed by Kipkoech Kiptoo of Kenya, who came in second with 1 hour, 1 minute, and 10 seconds, and Kiprop Kipkemboi of Kenya, who came in third with 1 hour, 1 minute, and 11 seconds. The winners received US$5,000, US$3,000, and US$2,000 respectively.
- Half marathon (women): Chepkirui Gladys of Kenya, who finished the race in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 2 seconds, followed by Chebet Joan of Kenya, who came in second with 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 3 seconds, and Chepkoech Caroline of Kenya, who came in third with 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 4 seconds. The winners received the same amounts as the men’s winners.
A strategic vision for sports and tourism
The Riyadh Marathon, which was sponsored by Saudi Awwal Bank, and headline sponsors ROSHN, PepsiCo, ASICS, Twauniya, Genesis, and Al Arabiya, was part of the strategic vision of the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), which aims to enhance the health and well-being of the Saudi population, and to position Saudi Arabia as a sporting and tourism destination.
The SFA, which was established in 2017, is responsible for developing and implementing programs and initiatives that encourage physical activity and sports participation among all segments of society, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities. The SFA also organizes and supports various sporting events, such as the Riyadh Marathon, the Saudi Women’s Football League, and the Saudi National Day Celebration.
The SFA’s President, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, said: “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.”
The SFA’s Managing Director, Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, said: “The remarkable figure of 36% female participation underscores our concerted efforts to empower women through sports, and helps to realize the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This milestone achievement heralds a brighter, healthier future.”
