Riyadh: AlUla Governorate is gearing up to host the latest edition of the AlUla Desert Blaze race on August 15-16, 2025. The event is expected to draw more than 500 runners from across the globe, competing in one of the region's challenging and visually striking desert races. According to Saudi Press Agency, the race will take place amidst AlUla's natural landscape, leading participants through rocky canyons, sand dunes, and verdant oases. This unique sporting event combines physical endurance with views of natural and historical landmarks. It is open to runners of all skill levels, from professionals to beginners, with four categories: 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km (half marathon), and 42.2 km (full marathon). The summer setting is expected to deliver both excitement and adventure. The routes highlight AlUla's heritage and landmarks. Runners participating in the 5 km, 10 km, and half-marathon races will start at Hegra, the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, traversing a landscape filled with historical sig nificance. The full marathon will also begin at Hegra, taking runners past the Maraya Building, known as the world's largest mirror-clad structure. This landmark symbolizes AlUla's cultural and architectural transformation under its development strategy.
Sunday, April 26, 2026