The "Al-Fursan Endurance Championship," the most prominent equestrian sporting event, kicked off today in Al-Ula, the jewel of mountains and ancient sites. The two-day competition is filled with excitement and challenge. This year's edition boasts wide participation, with nearly 300 riders representing more than 70 countries worldwide, competing on their purebred Arabian horses against courses considered among the most difficult and beautiful in the world for this time-honored sport.
Details of the first day's races and physical challenge
The opening day of the championship featured the 120-kilometer CEI2 endurance race, with nearly 200 riders participating. This race was distinguished by its unique combination of tactical speed and high physical fitness, as the course demanded exceptional technical skills from the riders to navigate the diverse terrain of AlUla. This race served as a true test of a rider's ability to manage the horse's exertion and distribute its energy throughout the various stages of the race to ensure a safe finish – a fundamental requirement in endurance racing.
The highly anticipated summit: the 160km race
All eyes will be on the competition tomorrow as the most challenging and demanding race (CEI3) takes place over a distance of 160 kilometers, featuring 95 of the world's elite riders. This race is considered the ultimate test of endurance and stamina, measuring the efficiency of effort management and advanced equestrian skills over marathon distances. This type of race requires precise strategies to keep the horse's vital signs within acceptable limits, reflecting the deep bond and harmony between rider and horse.
Al-Ula: A global destination for equestrian sports
The significance of this championship extends beyond its competitive aspect; it also serves to solidify AlUla's position as a leading global destination for sports, culture, and heritage. AlUla boasts stunning desert landscapes and a diverse terrain that blends soft sand with towering mountains, creating a unique natural track unlike any other in the world. This adds both a challenging and visually stunning dimension to the race. The championship is a key component of the "AlUla Moments" calendar for the 2025/2026 season, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its sports and tourism sectors in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
A historical legacy and a promising future
AlUla's hosting of this championship is a continuation of the rich historical legacy that has linked Arabs to horses since ancient times, as the Arabian Peninsula was the cradle of the purebred Arabian horse. Such international events contribute to reviving this heritage and presenting it to the world in a modern way, while also boosting the local economy through sports tourism and attracting equestrian enthusiasts from around the globe to explore the magic of AlUla and its ancient history.
