6,000 Runners Mark National Day in Historic Jeddah

Around 6,000 Saudis and expatriates took to the heritage streets of Historic Jeddah (البلد) on Friday, September 18, 2026, for the Green Spirit Run, a Saudi National Day run that filled the old district with color and community energy.

The event offered two courses — a 5 km route and a shorter 2 km distance — welcoming professional runners, amateurs, and children alike. The routes wound through the landmarks and traditional streets of Historic Jeddah, giving participants a run rooted in the city's cultural heart.

The run was organized by Masafat Club, the Ministry of Sports, the Sports for All Federation, and the Jeddah Historic District, bringing together sport and heritage in a single celebration.

Growing every year

Turnout marked a sharp rise from previous editions. Participation grew from roughly 2,000 runners in 2024 to about 6,000 in 2026, a threefold increase that reflects the growing appetite for community sport across the Kingdom.

For residents and expats, events like the Green Spirit Run offer an accessible way to mark national occasions while staying active. The mix of age groups and skill levels, from families with young children to seasoned runners, made the morning a shared moment of national pride set against Jeddah's historic backdrop.

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