The heat is on once more as AlUla Desert Blaze returns for its 3rd edition to the ancient oasis on 15 and 16 August, with 500 endurance runners and thrill-seekers from across the globe are expected to sign up to take on one of the fiercest races in the region.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of AlUla’s rugged terrain, the event offers participants an unforgettable journey through a land of dramatic desert canyons, windswept dunes, lush palm-filled valleys and storied monuments carved by time. With distances of 5km, 10km, 21.1km, and 42.2km, the race is open to all – from experienced marathoners to first-time runners looking to challenge themselves in a truly unique setting.
The event routes showcase some of AlUla’s most iconic landmarks. Runners tackling the 5km, 10km, and 21.1km distances will begin their race at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The full marathon – 42.2km of grit and glory – begins in Hegra and passes by Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building and a symbol of AlUla’s contemporary vision.
AlUla Desert Blaze will offer race kits, refreshment zones and finish-line celebrations, that make every step of the race an unforgettable journey of triumph. The event is a cornerstone of the AlUla Moments calendar, part of an ever-evolving lineup of sports, arts, culture, sports and adventure events that offer visitors rare opportunities to connect deeply with themselves and their surroundings.
