Saudi Sports for All Federation welcomes over 20,000 participants to 2024 Riyadh Marathon

2024-02-12 01:59:33

More than 20,000 participants from 125 countries, including a record 60% of Saudi nationals, took part in the third edition of the Riyadh Marathon on February 10, an increase of more than 33%, with 15,000 runners in 2023.

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Riyadh Marathon Presented by SAB (Graphic: AETOSWire)

For the first time, the start and finish line, and the accompanying Marathon Village, were located close to the Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World. From there, competitors of all ages and fitness levels could enjoy one of four races: the full marathon (42.2km), the half marathon (21.1km), and the 10km and 4km family run. . In the four races, there were more than 20,000 participants, with a significant increase in female runners, surpassing 7,200. In total, 64% were men and 36% women.

The top three elite male marathon runners were Kigen Wilfred Kirwa of Kenya, Tilahun Abe Gashahun of Ethiopia and El Ghouz Anouar of Morocco, who received US$30,000, US$20,000 and US$10,000 respectively. The three main elite marathon runners, who received the same amounts, were Badane Bedatu Hirpa, Desta Nigist Muluneh and Jebesa Zenebu Fikadu, all from Ethiopia. Prizes for elite runners in the half marathon started at US$5,000 for first place.

SFA President His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud said: “In line with the mandate of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, events like this are shaping a healthier and happier population. And with the growing number of foreign participants, we are raising Saudi Arabia’s profile as a sporting nation.”

SFA Director General Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini said: “The remarkable 36% female participation figure highlights our concerted efforts to empower women through sport and helps make the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 a reality. historic achievement heralds a brighter and healthier future.”

Organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation, event sponsors included Saudi Awwal Bank and major sponsors ROSHN , PepsiCo, ASICS, Twauniya, Genesis and Al Arabiya, with a total of US$197,000 in prize money awarded to the winners. The event was also sponsored by JPMorgan, Hisamitsu, Activia, L’Oréal, GSK, CALO, Kudu, Delta Sports and MDLBeast.

*Source:AETOSWire

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