2/11/2018

 Riyadh International Marathon Announced

 The General Sport Authority (GSA) has announced details of Riyadh International Marathon, to be held in Riyadh on Saturday, 24 February. The event is organized with the full support and directives of His Excellency Mr. Turki Bin Abdul-Mohsen Al Alsheikh, Board Chairman of the General Sport Authority and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee who ordered the allocation of enormous financial awards amounting to SR Two Million; one million for the 1st winner and the other winners share one million.

This was revealed by HRH Prince Abdul-Aziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, the GSA Vice Chairman and SAOC Vice President, at the press conference held this afternoon in the GSA Press Room located in the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Olympic Complex. Mr. Abdullah Bakhashab, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Brig. Hadi Bakr, President of the Saudi Athletics federation attended the conference.

Prince Abdul-Aziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Turki Bin Abdul-Mohsen Al Alsheikh, Board Chairman of the General Sport Authority and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee for the several initiatives made by His Excellency to take the Saudi sport interests to new horizons in all areas; particularly the organization of Riyadh International Marathon as a major sport event demonstrating the GSA efforts to promote the culture of sport and encouraging the communities to practice the various types of sports.

HRH said: “Today we are getting ready to launch a new sport event: The Riyadh International Half Marathon. We present this very special event to our citizens as part of the greater sport movement taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz – May Allah save them – with close follow up of HE Mr. Turki Bin Abdul-Mohsen Al Alsheikh, GSA Board Chairman”.

He added: “We have completed the preparations required for such major event despite the very short notice allowed. It expected that great numbers of citizens and residents will take part in the race as we observed the indications of the early hours of registrations. The number has already reached 10000 runners. More are expected to register in the coming days as many of international runners have expressed their wish to take part in this international race. “

Announcing his involvement, he also said: “ I will be one of the first participants in the 21Km race and wish that all participants will take part in this open category”.

On the other hand, Mr. Abdullah Bakhashab, President of the Organizing Committee explained the race stages and registration mechanism. He said: “The race will be divided into three categories, the first, 21 km, is for professional race runners. It will open at 9 a.m. and end at 12 at noon. The second stage, 8 km, for amateurs and wheelchairs, starting at 3:00 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. The last race, 4 km (fun run), starts at 4:30 and lasts until 5:30. He noted that electronic registration is available on: www.riyadh-marathon.com

Registration will continue until 04:00 p.m. Friday 23 February”

He further said: “The race route starts from the KSU Stadium and ends at the same point. At the end I would like to thank the KSU Management for all the facilities they offer for the successful organization of the event. We also present our thanks to all the event sponsors as we look forward to more future cooperation with all the parties contributing to the development of Saudi sport”.

On his part, brig. Hady Al-Qahtani, President of the Saud Athletics Federation, announced that an official invitation to attend the event has been addressed to the President and the Vice President of International Athletics Associations Federation. “The Riyadh International Half Marathon takes place with very high standards and specifications, in line with the IAAF Regulations. More than 200 of the best world runners from 25 countries have been invited to take part in this event. In the next season we aspire to have this race recognized by the International Federation”. It is worth mentioning that the Saudi Mass Participation Federation is contributing to the Riyadh International Marathon by holding several associated events two days before the race until the end. A special fun run will be made for kids under 12 yrs, within the GSA plans to create attractive sport activities to encourage communities to practice all shapes and types of sports.

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