6,000 Runners Join National Day Run in Al-Balad

Some 6,000 runners gathered in Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) on Friday, 18 September 2026, for the Saudi National Day Run, known as the Green Spirit Run, held as part of National Day 96 celebrations. The routes wound through the old city, passing key heritage landmarks and its historic streets.

The event offered two distances — a 5 km course and a 2 km course — open to professional runners, amateurs, families and children. It was organized by Masafat Club in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the Sports for All Federation, and the Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad) administration.

The Green Spirit Run typically runs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., starting from the area around Bab Jadid Square in Al-Balad. In recent editions, registration has been handled online for all distances, with bib pickup the day before the race and a fan village featuring sponsor booths and food trucks.

Published fees for recent years have included a free entry option for the 5 km (ages 13+), a timed 5 km at SAR 20, and a 2 km family and kids race at SAR 20. The paid tiers include a timing chip, bib number, and a finisher e-certificate.

Why it matters

The run has grown remarkably since its early days, expanding from 35 runners in 2016 to more than 3,000 in recent years, and reaching 6,000 participants for this National Day 96 edition. The event promotes community fitness and a shared sense of national belonging, welcoming residents and expatriates of many nationalities to take part in a single celebratory activity in the heart of the old city.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving