The conclusion of the Darb AlUla 2026 race: an endurance challenge amidst history
The "AlUla Trail 2026" race concluded yesterday, bringing to a close a world-class sporting event that saw wide participation from professional and amateur runners of all ages and nationalities, both from within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This event underscored the rapidly growing prominence of AlUla Governorate, which has become a leading global destination for endurance and adventure sports enthusiasts.
This event holds special significance beyond being merely a running race; it comes within the context of the significant sporting and tourism development taking place in the Kingdom as part of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance quality of life and diversify the economy through sports tourism. AlUla, with its rich cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hegra, provides an ideal setting that blends historical grandeur with a contemporary spirit of challenge, offering participants an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
The race was part of the major international sporting events calendar, attracting elite runners who tackled diverse routes carefully designed to wind through stunning natural and historical landmarks. These routes reflected AlUla's unique geographical diversity, combining the joy of exploration with a test of the competitors' physical and mental capabilities.
The 2026 edition featured a diverse range of races catering to various skill levels and abilities. Among the highlights was the 100-kilometer race, considered one of the toughest and most challenging endurance races, as well as the 50-kilometer race that took runners through the narrow alleyways of the old town and along rugged natural trails. The competition also included the 23-kilometer Elephant Mountain Trail race and the 10-kilometer Al-Ula Oasis race, open to all, thus providing an opportunity for everyone to participate in this sporting event.
In an effort to promote community engagement and instill a culture of sports in younger generations, the competitions included races specifically designed for younger age groups. These included a "Sunset Race" for children aged 5 to 12, a 1.6-kilometer children's race, and a 3-kilometer race for participants aged 13 and above. These initiatives are a cornerstone for building a vibrant and healthy community and encouraging families to adopt an active lifestyle.
The race concluded with a grand awards ceremony for the winning runners, where medals and prizes were distributed in a festive atmosphere that lasted late into the night in the heart of the old town. The closing scene reflected a resounding success in organization and a large public turnout, reaffirming that the AlUla Trail race is not just a competition, but a cultural and sporting event that contributes to solidifying AlUla's strong presence on the map of global sporting events and highlights its natural attractions as a first-class tourist destination.
