RIYADH — Riyadh is already on the move. With the Marathon Festival underway and all races sold out, the capital is gearing up for Saturday’s showpiece race, culminating in the 5th Riyadh International Marathon.
The Saudi Federation for Sports for All will host the event from January 28 to 31, expanding for the first time into a four-day Riyadh Marathon Festival that combines elite competition with a public celebration of sport, health and community.
Visitors taking selfies at the entrance to the marathon. (X @SportsforAll_sa)
The 2026 edition, organized by the Saudi Federation for Sport for All and supported by the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Athletics Federation, maintains its status as the world’s elite road race in athletics and highlights the marathon’s growing international profile.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of the federation, told Saudi Gazette in an exclusive interview that the event reflects a broader national mission to promote healthier lifestyles across the kingdom.
Attendees will complete the registration process in preparation for Saturday’s marathon. (X @SportsforAll_sa)
“SFA’s mission is to develop and strengthen community infrastructure, associations and resources that encourage and support greater physical activity across the Kingdom,” he said.
Prince Khalid credited Saudi leadership for the marathon’s rapid growth over the past five years.
“There is no leadership like Saudi Arabia’s. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s unwavering support for transforming society into a nation of health and wellness through activity and sport has made today’s and the last four years of the marathon possible,” he said.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, inspects the Riyadh Marathon 2026 Festival. (Included)
“Be sure to meet me when I’m abroad. I always encourage people to Google Riyadh Marathon and watch videos and images online. This is the real Saudi. This is how we show our flag to the world. Come see what our leadership has made possible. Five years of running and walking the Saudi spirit through the streets of Riyadh, in the rain, in the cold, and in the sunshine.”
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The Prince also highlighted the visible role of the Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Alfasal, noting that the leadership’s sustained involvement contributes to the improvement of the event year after year.
“If you follow sports at all, you have seen our minister actively and passionately working on the ground. Saudi Arabia’s sports minister is instrumental in making the Riyadh Marathon a bigger and better place every year, and this type of strong involvement encourages more people across the Kingdom to take part in national wellness efforts,” he said.
This year we will be introducing the Riyadh Marathon Festival, turning the marathon into a four-day public festival that culminates on race day, attracting runners from all over Saudi Arabia and abroad.
The Riyadh Marathon Festival transforms the event into a four-day public celebration, culminating on race day. (X @SportsforAll_sa)
This marathon has four race categories designed for all ages and fitness levels. One is a 42km full marathon, a 21km half marathon for participants aged 18 and over, a 10km run for participants aged 17 and over, and a 5km fun run for families and beginners.
All race categories are sold out, reflecting increased public demand and participation. The Riyadh Marathon Festival will be open to the public from January 28th to 30th at Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University, and admission is free.
The event will be carried out in partnership with a broad public sector coalition including the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the National Events Center, the City of Riyadh, Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh Metro, the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
It is also supported by an extensive network of local and international brands across sport, health, lifestyle and entertainment, enhancing the culture, community and wellness aspects of the marathon in the lead-up to race day.
