Riyadh: Preparations for the Riyadh Marathon 2026 were finalized, the organizing committee announced, with the fifth edition of the event scheduled to take place in late January at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Riyadh Marathon, organized by the Saudi Sports for All Federation, will run from January 28 to 31, featuring participation from professional runners and amateurs from inside the Kingdom and abroad. The event is notable for the launch of the Riyadh Marathon Festival, which will commence on January 28 in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Athletics Federation. The festival aims to add a new dimension to the marathon by offering entertainment and cultural programs.

The festival will host activities such as musical performances, live shows, and interactive experiences for different age groups. These activities will be situated in the race village and gathering areas. The festival will culminate with officially certified marathon races, which include four main categories: a full marathon over 42 kilometers, a half marathon over 21 kilometers, a 10-kilometer run, and a five-kilometer run for families and beginners. All races will start from within the university campus.

The organizing committee noted that the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs will occur entirely within the university's internal roads, while the 21-kilometer and 42-kilometer routes will extend beyond, passing through several major roads in northern Riyadh. These routes include Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Road, Anas Ibn Malik Road, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq service road, Uthman bin Affan Road, and Thumamah Road, with all races concluding at the university.

The Saudi Sports for All Federation stated that certain roads will be partially or fully closed during race periods based on each route and its schedule. They urged road users to plan in advance and consider alternative routes. Roads will be reopened gradually once competitions end.

The federation encourages both participants and spectators to use the Riyadh Metro to reach the venue to alleviate traffic congestion, noting that PNU 2 would be the nearest station to the race village and event areas. The Riyadh Marathon is a significant sporting event that aligns with the Kingdom's initiative to promote sports as a lifestyle and enhance quality of life. The marathon maintains its official certification by World Athletics within the Elite category for the fifth consecutive year.