Riyadh Marathon Festival 2026 draws over 50,000 runners, Ethiopians win elite races
- Feb 1
- 1 min read
Riyadh, February 1, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi Sports for All Federation concluded on Saturday the fifth edition of the Riyadh Marathon Festival 2026, held from January 28 to January 31 at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, president of the federation, crowned the male and female winners at the finish line.
In the men’s elite 42 km marathon, Ethiopian runner Abebaw Muniye won in 2:09:31, followed by Ethiopian runner Asefa Tefera in 2:09:44 and Ethiopian runner Tolcha Tefera in 2:10:09.
In the women’s elite race, Ethiopian runner Kena Girma won in 2:25:56, followed by Ethiopian runner Aberash Demissie in 2:27:15 and Ethiopian runner Nigist Muluneh in 2:29:21. Winners across other categories were also honoured.
The event drew more than 50,000 runners representing 134 nationalities, with participants aged from one to 90, including athletes with disabilities.
A total of 59 internationally ranked male and female elite athletes took part. The races were held in accordance with World Athletics standards as an Elite Road Race for the fifth consecutive edition.
The event also drew more than 52,000 visitors during the four-day festival, which included sporting, entertainment and cultural activities.
On the sidelines, the Saudi Sports for All Federation signed a cooperation agreement with the Tokyo Marathon Foundation to strengthen collaboration and exchange expertise in marathon organisation and running-related experiences.
The festival was held in cooperation with public and private sector partners led by the Ministry of Sport and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
