Riyadh, January 27, 2026, SPA — The Riyadh Marathon 2026 announced the participation of elite international athletes and world-record holders in its fifth edition, as comprehensive preparations continue with strong support from partners and sponsors.
The festival will take place at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University from January 28 to 31 in a highly anticipated sporting event that blends top-level competition with a wide-ranging entertainment <a href="https://saudi-journal.com/experience-ramadan-evenings-reimagined-at-fairmont-riyadh/”>experience.
A distinguished lineup of world-class runners is expected to compete, including Ethiopian world champion Gotytom Gebreslase, Ethiopian Gulume Chala, Moroccan Othmane El Goumri, and Bahraini Oluwakemi Adekoya. Several world half-marathon champions will also participate from across the globe. The strong field underscores the marathon’s international standing as an Elite Road Race sanctioned by World Athletics.
The marathon received World Athletics Elite Road Race accreditation for the fifth consecutive year and will feature runners from 125 countries, in addition to local clubs and participants of all ages and fitness levels. The festival will also offer a diverse program of accompanying events, including live music, entertainment segments, cultural and heritage activities, and interactive experiences for all age groups, hosted in the race village and assembly areas.
Organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation, the Riyadh Marathon 2026 reaffirms its position as one of the Kingdom’s leading community sporting events, presenting a model of professional event organization that blends excellence with inclusivity and reflects the continued development of community sports in Riyadh.