Saudi Sports for All Federation and Jeddah Historic District Program collaborate for Inaugural Half Marathon

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

February 29, 2024 – The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and the Jeddah Historic District Program, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, have announced a collaboration to organize the Historic Jeddah Half Marathon. This inaugural event, the first of its kind in the district, will take place on March 2 in Jeddah with support from the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation. The race aims to highlight the vibrant heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic Jeddah Historic District while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all members of society.

More than just a race, the Jeddah Historic Half Marathon will be a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and history, showcasing the country’s rich heritage. Catering to all ages and abilities, there will be four races on the day: the half marathon (21km), open to ages 18 and above; a 10km for ages 12 and above; and 4km and 1km races, both open to all age groups. Assistance will be provided for runners with special needs.

Each race will start and finish at Bab Jadid, with runners winding their way through charming streets, past iconic landmarks, and bustling markets. Nassif House, a breathtaking example of traditional architecture; Al-Matbouli Museum; Al-Juffali Mosque; King Fahd Fountain; and the Jeddah Corniche are among the many cultural sights that runners will experience within the Jeddah Historic District.

A Race Village will also be created and open from February 29 offering entertainment, games, cultural performances, a live DJ, and traditional food for participants and supporting visitors to enjoy.

HRH Prince Khaled bin Alaweed bin Talal Al Saud, SFA President, said: “Working with the Ministry of Culture helps to fulfill some of the criteria outlined in the Vision 2030 initiative. First of all, it aligns with the SFA goal of making more of the nation active, but it also shines a spotlight on Saudi culture and heritage, promoting tourism. This is how we build a stronger Kingdom.”

Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, SFA Managing Director, said: “We aim to encourage a nation towards a healthier future through culture and exploration through this marathon which is organized in cooperation with Jeddah Historic District Program. We hope it inspires in finding new experiences and interests that people can apply their fitness journey in a way which cultivates a more active and harmonious society.”

Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Issa, Director General of Jeddah Historic District Program, commented: “The Historic Jeddah Half Marathon, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Saudi Sports for All Federation, falls within the essance of regeneration of Jeddah’s Historic District. This event aims to enhance the quality of life and enrich the visitor experience by highlighting the district’s architectural treasures that tell a long and captivating story, representing a proud part of the Kingdom’s rich history.”

Registration for the Jeddah Historic Half Marathon has opened on premieronline.com, with participants able to sign up for all four races. Each registration will come with a certificate, a goody bag, live results, medal, photo service or download, refreshments, timing, and a T-shirt.

The Jeddah Historic Half Marathon Race Village will open on Thursday, February 29 from 4pm-10pm, and on Friday, March 1 from 9am-10pm. The race action takes place on Saturday, March 2 from 6am-noon.

In line with the SFA’s goals, structured by Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life program objectives, the Jeddah Historic Half Marathon will bring people together to celebrate physical activity in the country, and promote fitness as a key aspect of Saudi Arabia’s social fabric.

The SFA is the organizer of the Riyadh Marathon, held annually in the Kingdom since 2022, and in 2024 attracting more than 20,000 participants. The main aim of the SFA is to raise the percentage of physical activity levels in Saudi Arabia significantly by 2030.