Riyadh Marathon

Riyadh Marathon

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29 January - 06 February 2026

Get Ready, Riyadh! ?

This isn’t just a run—it’s a mission. Feel the adrenaline, embrace the challenge, and run with Muslim Charity for a cause that matters. From the city streets to your heart, every step fuels real change around the world.

 

Choose your distance:

  • ?‍♂️ Marathon – 42km
  • ? Half Marathon – 21km
  • ?‍♀️ 10km Race
  • ?‍?‍? Family-Friendly 4km Run

Key Information

Registration: £795

Reg Includes:

Accommodation (2 sharing)

Perform Umrah in Makkah & Visit Medinah

Transfers in Saudi Arabia

Marathon Entry

Finisher Medal

TEAMMC T-Shirt

Questions? If you have any queries, please feel free to email us info@muslimcharity.org.uk or call us on +44 (0) 3000 111 786

Itinerary

Phase 1: Riyadh – The Marathon Challenge

Thursday, 29th January: Departure & Arrival

Travel: Depart from the UK and arrive at King Khalid International Airport (RUH).

Hotel: Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Qasr or Braira Hotel Olaya (TBC) Twin Sharing

Evening: Settle in and rest for the busy days ahead.

 

Friday, 30th January: Jummah & Exploration

Jummah Prayer: Attend the Friday sermon at Al Rajhi Grand Mosque (the largest in Riyadh). The sermon is translated into multiple languages via headsets.

Sightseeing:

Al Masmak Fortress: The birthplace of the modern Saudi state.

Souq Al Zal: Located near Masmak, perfect for traditional items and incense.

Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge: For a panoramic sunset view of the city.

Evening: Early dinner (carb-loading) and race kit collection.

 

Saturday, 31st January: Riyadh Marathon Day

Location: The race typically starts and ends at King Saud University or Diriyah (check official bib for exact 2026 gate).

Race Start Times (Expected):

Full Marathon (42.2km): 06:00 AM (Ages 20+)

Half Marathon (21.1km): 06:30 AM (Ages 18+)

10km Run: 08:30 AM (Ages 17+)

Requirements: Must have a valid registration and bib. Carry a hydration pack, though energy stations are provided every 2.5km–5km.

 

Phase 2: Makkah – The Spiritual Journey

Sunday, 1st February: Travel to Makkah (Ihram Required)

Flight (Riyadh to Jeddah):

Departure: Approx. 10:00 AM (non-stop, ~1h 45m).

Airlines: Saudia, Flynas, or flyadeal.

Note: You should be in your Ihram before the flight enters the Miqat zone (usually announced by the pilot 20-30 minutes before landing in Jeddah).

Train (Jeddah Airport to Makkah):

Haramain High-Speed Rail: Departs directly from the airport station (JED).

Midday Train: Departures around 12:15 PM or 1:15 PM.

Duration:  54 minutes.

Hotel: Voco Makkah or Conrad Makkah (Jabal Omar). (TBC) Twin Sharing

Ritual: Check-in and perform your Umrah (Tawaf and Sa'ee).

 

Monday, 2nd February: Makkah Ziyarah

Popular Sites:

Jannat al-Mu'alla: The historic cemetery where Khadija (RA) is buried.

Masjid al-Jinn: Where a group of Jinn recited the Quran with the Prophet (PBUH).

Birthplace of the Prophet (PBUH): Now a library near the Marwah gate.

Mount Arafat (Jabal al-Rahmah): Site of the Farewell Sermon.

Mina & Muzdalifah: To see the Hajj encampments and Jamarat.

 

Tuesday, 3rd February: Mount Noor & Second Umrah

Morning: Hike Jabal al-Noor (Mount Noor) to visit Cave Hira. It is best to start at 4:00 AM to reach the top for Fajr and avoid the heat.

Afternoon: Travel to Masjid Aisha (Taneem) to enter Ihram for a second Umrah.

Evening: Perform Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) before your departure the next day.

 

Phase 3: Madinah – The City of Light

Wednesday, 4th February: Makkah to Madinah

Train: Haramain High-Speed Rail.

Midday Train: Departs Makkah around 12:30 PM, arrives Madinah at 2:45 PM.

Hotel: Saja Al Madinah or Madinah Hilton. (TBC) Twin Sharing

 

Thursday, 5th February: Madinah Ziyarah

Popular Sites:

Masjid Quba: The first mosque built in Islam. (Pray 2 Rakat here for the reward of an Umrah).

Mount Uhud: Visit the archers' hill and the martyrs' cemetery.

Masjid al-Qiblatayn: Where the Qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.

Seven Mosques (The Trench): Site of the Battle of Khandaq.

 

Friday, 6th February: Final Salaam & Departure

Jummah: Perform Friday prayers at Masjid an-Nabawi.

Final Greeting: Present your final Salaam at the Rawdah (resting place of the Prophet PBUH and his companions).

Departure: Travel to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED) for your flight back to the UK.

The Cause

We’re running with a purpose to provide food, healthcare, and education for children around the world. Every step we take is more than just a mile—it’s a lifeline that brings hope, healing, and opportunity to vulnerable children in need. By joining this race, you’re helping to fight hunger, improve health, and open doors to a brighter future for the next generation. Together, we can make every stride count and change lives globally.

RESOURCES

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