Ma'alem Marathon Second Edition Opens In Madinah Amid Broad Participation And Community Support

The second Ma’alem Marathon in Madinah is drawing large numbers of runners and spectators, with participants from many regions of Saudi Arabia. The event, held on Saturday, aims to encourage regular walking and running, and to support a healthier lifestyle, while also reinforcing Madinah’s role as a key host city for national sports events.

Organisers reported strong turnout from different age groups, including youth and older adults, with men and women competing across several divisions. The event reflects growing interest in organised running across the Kingdom and highlights how mass participation sports can strengthen community ties and shared identity among residents and visitors.

The Ma’alem Marathon routes run along Darb Al-Sunnah Road, with three main race distances. Competitions are held over 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km courses. Categories cover men, women, under-15 runners, and participants under 60 years. Winners in every division receive valuable prizes, which recognise performance and help encourage continued involvement in organised sport.

To support the Ma’alem Marathon operations in Madinah, several government bodies and private organisations work together on planning and logistics. Volunteer teams are present along the routes to guide runners, manage crowds, and monitor health and safety. Their role includes assisting participants who need help, ensuring smooth movement, and contributing to an orderly event environment for athletes and spectators.

The Aseer Diabetes Care Society joins the Ma’alem Marathon in Madinah by entering runners in a diabetes category. This effort is part of a broader awareness campaign that stresses how regular exercise supports diabetes management and overall health. The participation underlines the message that physical activity is important for people of all ages and conditions.

The Ma’alem Marathon forms one of several mobile stages in the wider Ma’alem Marathon initiative, which moves between Saudi cities. The programme uses sporting, recreational, and cultural events to showcase local features, encourage domestic tourism, and increase interaction between communities. It also supports national efforts to strengthen local identity and highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and sporting profile internationally.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rua Al Madinah Holding Company indicated that the sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives with societal impact, activating the urban environment, promoting positive community engagement, and providing an integrated experience for residents and visitors of Madinah. The report on the Ma’alem Marathon was issued by SPA at 01:36 Local Time, corresponding to 22:36 GMT.

With inputs from SPA