6,000 Runners Join National Day Run in Historic Jeddah

Around 6,000 runners took part in the Saudi National Day community run held in Historic Jeddah, setting off from Bab Jadid Square in the Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad). The event turned the heritage neighbourhood's lanes into a celebration of fitness and national pride.

The run is part of the recurring Green Spirit Run / National Day race series in Historic Jeddah, organised with the support of the Ministry of Sports, the Sports for All Federation, and the Jeddah Historic District management. Courses typically wind through Al-Balad's restored houses, historic streets, and public squares.

Distances and fees

The series usually offers a 5 km individual race and a 2 km family and kids race. In recent editions, the 5 km untimed basic entry for ages 13 and above has been free of charge, while the timed 5 km entry costs SAR 20 and includes a timing chip, bib number, and finisher e-certificate. The 2 km family and kids race also costs SAR 20 with the same services.

Registration has been handled online, where participants complete a form, choose their distance, pay any fees electronically, and receive confirmation with QR codes for kit collection. Race kits, including the bib and timing chip, are usually collected the day before at Bab Jadid Square, with a window such as 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Start times fall in the early morning to beat the midday heat and finish before Friday prayer.

The event is designed as a community celebration bringing together men, women, children, families, and both amateur and professional runners of many nationalities, with strong participation from local residents and expatriate communities. The concept has grown remarkably, from just 35 runners in 2016 to more than 3,000 in later editions, and around 6,000 participants in this latest run — a sign of how sport and heritage continue to draw the Jeddah community together.

---

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