AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels

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AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. (SPA)
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AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. (SPA)
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AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. (SPA)
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AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. (SPA)
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Updated 19 November 2024
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AlUla Trail Race offers challenges for adventure enthusiasts of all levels

  • Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment
  • Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km Kids’ Run to a 100 km ultra-marathon

RIYADH: The AlUla Trail Race will take place on Jan. 23 and 24, 2025, offering a challenge with stunning scenery for adventure enthusiasts.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to engage in this sporting challenge in a vibrant, competitive environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Several races will be held at the event, organized by AlUla Moments, ranging from a 1.6 km “Kids’ Run” to a 100 km ultra-marathon, providing options for all skill levels across AlUla’s desert landscape and ancient oases.

The AlUla Trail Race 2025 features seven distinct races, with participants viewing iconic AlUla locations, including Elephant Rock, Maraya (the world’s largest mirrored building), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra.

The 1.6 km race, for children aged 6 to 12, offers a safe and fun introduction to competitive running. The “Sunset Run” (3 km) allows participants aged 13 and older to explore AlUla’s oasis at sunset.

The 10 km “AlUla Oasis” race is open to runners aged 13 and older, suitable for beginners or those seeking a moderate challenge.

The “Elephant Rock” 23 km race is aimed at more experienced athletes aged 16 and older, and is equivalent to more than half a marathon.

The 50 km “Al-Mejdar” race is the toughest trial for runners aged 18 and older, while the 100 km “Hegra” event is the ultimate challenge for professional runners aged 18 and older, testing endurance in one of the most scenic and demanding races.

The event spans two days. On the first day, participants will register, receive race numbers and equipment, and attend a briefing before heading to the starting locations. Day one will also feature races for children, families and after-sunset events.

On day two, the 10 km, 23 km and ultramarathon races will be held, concluding with a ceremony to honor the winners and distribute awards.

In addition to the competitive atmosphere, the sports village will provide a range of food and beverages, including premium coffee, along with live music and entertainment.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation spaces will be available for runners post-race.


Royal reserve intensifies efforts for environmental conservation

Updated 05 December 2025
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Royal reserve intensifies efforts for environmental conservation

  • Protection contributes toward sustainability to align with Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority is intensifying efforts to protect the vegetation, wildlife, and public property within its reserve, the largest in the Kingdom at 130,700 sq. km.

Distinguished by its nature, terrain and archaeological sites (some dating back to 8000 B.C.), its protection contributes to environmental sustainability and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of making the Kingdom a global environmental tourist destination, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority’s efforts include enforcing regulations against violators, in partnership with the Special Forces for Environmental Security; rehabilitating damaged lands affected by overgrazing and desertification; planting nearly 4 million seedlings; rehabilitating 750,000 hectares of degraded land to restore plant life; and distributing tonnes of native wild seeds.

The authority has urged adherence to regulations, stressing continuous monitoring and enforcement against violations.

The royal reserve, a vast ecological haven across the Northern Borders, Jouf, Tabuk and Hail regions, is a vital hub for migratory birds. It is home to more than 290 bird species, with 88 percent being migratory and 12 percent resident.

This accounts for 58 percent of all bird species recorded in the Kingdom. The reserve also protects 26 bird species listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

The reserve serves as the Kingdom’s first stop for flocks arriving from Asia and Europe in the autumn, and their last station before departing in spring.

With its rich biodiversity, balanced environment and varied landscapes, the reserve also stands as a natural sanctuary, hosting remarkable species such as the steppe eagle, the eastern imperial eagle, and the houbara bustard.