RIYADH — Riyadh witnessed on Saturday morning the launch of the first professional, international marathon in Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh Marathon 2022. More than 10,000 participants of both sexes from inside and outside Saudi Arabia have participated in the Riyadh Marathon 2022. The Riyadh Marathon 2022, which is organized by the Sports for All Federation (SFA), started at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning by the president of the federation, Prince Khaled Bin Alwaleed Bin Talal. Prince Khaled said that he is very happy with the participation of such a large number of people from inside and outside Saudi Arabia in such a big event. The General Traffic Department announced earlier that it would temporarily close some of the main roads surrounding the Riyadh Marathon, from 3:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., due to the completion of the preparatory procedures to receive the participants in the marathon. The Riyadh Marathon 2022, organized SFA with direct support from the Ministry of Sports and the Quality of Life Program to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, is geared up for the race. The first marathon, with a distance of 42 km, starts from the starting line at King Saud University at 06:15 a.m., offering the opportunity for participants to explore several tourist destinations in Riyadh (Diriyah — main roads — Digital City — King Saud University) with a chance to win prizes worth more than SR2 million. The "Riyadh Marathon 2022" is accredited by the Asian and International Athletics Federations. Passionate runners aged 18 and above can take part in the 21.1 km Half Marathon, the 10-kilometer Open Race for the 17-year-old and above, and the 4-kilometer race for beginners and children. The organization of the marathon by the SFA comes in light of the success of organizing the Riyadh Half Marathon in 2018. The SFA is the main body responsible for the development of community sports in the Kingdom, and seeks to build a healthy and vibrant society, by inspiring and motivating all members of society to make physical activity a part of their lifestyle.
