331 athletes take on the ultimate endurance challenge at AlUla Desert Blaze

The highly anticipated AlUla Desert Blaze, renowned as one of the most daring races in the region, unfolded on Saturday, 24th August, amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of the ancient Saudi city. This year’s event saw 331 athletes tackling the ultimate endurance challenge, where determination and resilience were pushed to the limits.

Competitors from 61 countries converged in AlUla, drawn by the thrill and prestige of participating in one of the city’s most audacious sporting spectacles. Their adventurous spirits were matched only by their sense of camaraderie, creating an electrifying atmosphere that embodied the essence of both competition and unity.

Rami Almoallim, Vice President of Destination Management & Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The second edition of AlUla Desert Blaze proved to be a spectacular showcase of athleticism and determination, where the relentless spirit of the runners took center stage. Watching these incredible athletes push beyond their limits, fuelled by pure passion and grit, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their drive and resilience truly reflect AlUla’s commitment to excellence in sports throughout the year. As we work to innovate and elevate the experience, AlUla will continue to be a welcoming space for every adventurer, explorer and dreamer who dares to test themselves and find inspiration in our extraordinary desert landscape.”

Winners across the categories included Eden Alemu Dadi from Ethiopia, who secured her win in the 42.2km female category, and Chakib Lachgar from Spain, who was first in the 42.2km male race. Elfinesh Demise Amare from Ethiopia triumphed in the 21.1km female category, while Mickael Gasc from France claimed the top spot in the 21.1km male category. Wafa Zaroual and Youssef Nasir from Morocco clinched victories in the 10km adult female and male races respectively, while Jordan’s Hana Nimry and Afghanistan’s Amin Abdullah earned wins in the 5km adult female and male categories.

AlUla Desert Blaze is one of the most exciting parts of the year-round AlUla Moments calendar of events and festivals, which harness the city’s historic landscape that includes sandstone cliffs, lush oases, and fertile farmland.

From hosting various sporting events such as the AlUla Camel Cup and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup to the prestigious cycling event of the AlUla Tour and the winter running challenge, the AlUla Trail Race, AlUla continues to advance the sustainable development of its sports and adventure offerings, cementing its place on the global map as the destination for unforgettable experiences.