Red Sea Marathon to Debut in January 2025

Running enthusiasts are in for a treat with the recent announcement of the first-ever Red Sea Marathon in 2025.

Present at the briefing were Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation Habib bin Ali Al-Rabaan and Sports Hub managing director Badr Al-Shibani. Technical committee chairman and organizing committee Dr. Roberto Magaraggia was also present at the announcement event.

About the Red Sea Marathon

According to the SAAF, the Red Sea Marathon will take place in Jeddah, specifically on January 18, 2025, a Saturday. Organizers specifically decided on the timing because of the cool climate in Saudi Arabia during the month of January. Runners get to experience running along the magnificent corniche. The corniche features scenic coastal roads, walkways, parks, and various recreational facilities.

Authorities expect that the event will attract 10,000 local and international runners to join the run. They can participate in the full marathon (42.2 kilometers), half-marathon (21.1 kilometers), 10-kilometer, or four-kilometer runs. Professionals and amateur runners are encouraged to take part in the full marathon and avid runners in the half-marathon. Meanwhile, the 10-kilometer run is best for adults aged 17 and above, and the 4-kilometer run for beginners and children.

The SAAF hopes to invite prominent male and female runners in the industry from around the world to do the Red Sea Marathon. They will take part in the marathon’s “elite field.”

Working with Sports Hub

Moreover, event organizers aspire for the marathon to become a yearly event. To attract runners every year, they will be offering an attractive cash prize to winners.

“We are excited to play a part in bringing such an iconic event to Jeddah,” said Al-Rabaan.

In addition, he remarked about the SAAF’s collaboration with Sports Hub, the Red Sea Marathon’s organizing agency.

“Our partnership with the Sports Hub is built on a shared commitment to elevating the health and well-being of individuals and embodies our dedication to supporting the communities in which we operate,” he shared.

“It may be the first of its kind in Jeddah, but it will be another great marathon among established international marathons.”

Benefits of the marathon

Organizers expect the Red Sea Marathon to welcome thousands of runners in its first-ever edition of the Red Sea Marathon. Apart from the number of visitors it will generate each year, the marathon will also promote Jeddah’s sporting activities.

In addition, the run will also boost Jeddah and the country’s economy positively in various ways. Saudi Arabia only gains from the increased patronage of transportation providers, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and other commercial establishments. Jeddah is home to attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Historic Jeddah District, and the yearly Jeddah Season.

The Red Sea Marathon isn’t the first marathon that Saudi Arabia has hosted. In the past, the kingdom has also hosted the Riyadh Marathon, which debuted its half-marathon in 2018. Meanwhile, it debuted its full marathon in March 2022. Over 10,000 runners took part in the said marathon.

As the name suggests, the marathon takes place in the city of Riyadh. It starts and finishes at the King Saud University and winds on a loop course.

Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik