Riyadh Marathon 2026: how to register, ticket prices, and what to expect

The Riyadh Marathon 2026 is set for Saturday, January 31, 2026, with the start and event hub at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Organised by the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), it’s built to welcome everyone from first-time runners to experienced marathoners.

If you’re picking a distance, planning your morning, or registering last-minute, here’s the practical rundown.

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Key event details

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
  
  

• Location: Princess Nourah University, Riyadh
  
  

• Race start: 6:00 AM (arrive early for parking, bib pickup flow, and warm-up)
  
  

• Organiser: Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA)
  
  

Distances, age rules, and ticket prices

Riyadh Marathon 2026 offers four race options:

• 5km Fun Run (all ages; kids must be with an adult)
  
  Ticket: SAR 62
  
  

• 10km Run (ages 17+)
  
  Ticket: SAR 85
  
  

• 21km Half Marathon (ages 18+)
  
  Ticket: SAR 119
  
  

• 42km Full Marathon (ages 20+)
  
  Ticket: SAR 149
  
  

Accessibility: Participants with disabilities are welcome, with dedicated registration to support individual needs.

What you get with your entry

All participants receive a race kit including:

• Bib
  
  

• T-shirt
  
  

• Bag
  
  

Finishers receive a medal.

What race day looks like

The event is set up to be comfortable for runners and supporters, with:

• Restrooms along the route
  
  

• Refreshment stations every 2.5km
  
  

• Medical teams on standby
  
  

• A marathon village with food trucks, music, fitness activities, and family-friendly events
  
  

Routes and specific category start-time details are expected closer to race day.

Bonus: it’s part of a bigger festival week

Saudi Press Agency reports the Riyadh Marathon Festival runs January 25–31, culminating in race day at Princess Nourah University.

How to register

Register online.

Tip: if you’re joining with friends or family, the official site also lists group offers (where available).

How to prepare so the race feels good

Pick your goal first, then train for that goal.

• 5K: focus on easy runs and brisk walking, plus a short “faster” session weekly.
  
  

• 10K / Half: build steady weekly volume, keep most runs easy, add one quality session.
  
  

• Marathon: prioritise consistency and long runs, and do not panic add mileage late.
  
  

Strength matters for runners. Two short strength sessions per week can help you stay resilient and run with better form when you get tired.

If you want a simple base while you train in the city, use Gyms in Riyadh to find a club near you.

And if you want a quick way to align intake with training load, use the Nutrition calculator.

Source: saudimoments.com

The opinions shared in the blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.