Madinah: The second edition of the Ma'alem Marathon kicked off on Saturday in Madinah, drawing wide participation from runners and sports enthusiasts of various age groups, as part of initiatives to enhance quality of life and promote a culture of walking and running within the community.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the event is held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and sponsored by Rua Al Madinah Holding Company.

The marathon featured three main routes along Darb Al-Sunnah Road - 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km - with participation by men and women, as well as categories for under-15 and under-60 participants. Valuable prizes were awarded to winners across all divisions.

The event attracted notable public attendance and participants from across the Kingdom, reflecting a strong spirit of competition and belonging, and underscoring Madinah's standing as a leading destination for sporting events.

The event saw active participation from government and private entities to facilitate the marathon, alongside volunteer teams ensuring participant safety. The Aseer Diabetes Care Society also participated, fielding runners in the diabetes category as part of an awareness campaign highlighting the importance of exercise for everyone.

Chief Executive Officer of Rua Al Madinah Holding Company indicated that the sponsorship reflects the company's ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives with societal impact, activating the urban environment, promoting positive community engagement, and providing an integrated experience for residents and visitors of Madinah.

The Ma'alem Marathon is one of the mobile stages of the Ma'alem Marathon initiative, which aims to highlight the unique features of Saudi cities through sports, recreational, and cultural activities that support domestic tourism, encourage community interaction, and strengthen local identity, reflecting the Kingdom's status as a global sporting and cultural destination.