Here’s all you need to know about the AlUla Trail Race happening next weekend
Taking place on February 23 and 24, the event brings together sport, heritage, and nature for more than 1,000 athletes in the most stunning of settings…
Lace up, warm up and get ready to run through beautiful landscapes with breathtaking designated trail routes that pass by the most famous landmarks of AlUla.
AlUla Trail Race returns on Thursday February 23 and Friday February 24 to bring together sport, heritage, and nature for more than 1,000 athletes.
See the award-winning Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, the naturally carved wonder of Elephant Rock or the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hegra as you challenge yourself in a race unlike any other. No matter your age, the AlUla Trail Race offers a unique way to explore AlUla and all the beauty of the desert.
The event is spread across six categories: 100-kilometre ultramarathon, 50-kilometre marathon, 20-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre fun run, and 1.4-kilometre kids’ race. So, there’s something out there for all levels and abilities, and absolutely everyone is welcome.
Races on Thursday February 23
For kids and families looking for more of a fun run than a race, the Arabian Leopard Kids’ Run is just the ticket. The race starts at 5.15pm and is for children aged five to 11, where they will enjoy an Arabian Leopard-themed 1.4-kilometre dash through AlUla Old Town. An easy motivation for any child who’s keen.
Looking for something more serene? The Sunset Run, taking place at 6pm, is set to stun. Perfect for those brand-new to trail running or looking to learn some techniques, runners will love this pre-race two-kilometre easy run as the sun drifts below the stunning AlUla horizon.
Races on Friday February 24
First up is the 100-kilometre Sharaan Trail at 6am. The ultra-running adventure enables competitors to be among the first to run through Sharaan Nature Reserve and its natural wonders, while the 50-kilometre Ashar Vallery Trail at 7am winds through breathtaking landscapes of Ashar Valley canyons. Both races are for competitors aged 18 and above.
The Elephant Rock Trail starts at 8am and is designed for those aged 16 and above. It is a 20-kilometre pursuit from AlUla’s most iconic natural rock formation, winding past farms and through desert and mountain trails.
Meanwhile, the AlUla Oasis Trail at 8.30am is a 10-kilometre run for those aged 12 and above. The race begins and ends in the heart of AlUla Old Town, with a scenic-filled journey through the farms of AlUla Oasis in between.
In addition to the races, participants can look forward to a fantastic weekend, with a welcome party and post-race events planned at AlUla Old Town Amphitheatre.
Phillip Jones, chief tourism officer at The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said, “AlUla Trail Race provides the most spectacular and enriching way to explore the joys of AlUla. With races for all ages and abilities, AlUla Trail Race connects the importance of physical activity with the most glorious and breathtaking of natural settings, enabling an experience like no other that will leave memories to last a lifetime.”
AlUla Trail Race continues a unique calendar of diverse sporting events across the AlUla Moments season, including world-class polo, cycling, endurance horse racing, and camel racing.
AlUla Trail Race, Feb 23 & 24, AlUla. Register here. SAR49 for Arabian Leopard Kids Run, SAR89 for Sunset Run, SAR149 for AlUla Oasis Trail (10km), SAR249 for Elephant Rock Trail (20km), SAR349 for Ashar Trail (50km) & SAR499 for Sharaan Trail (100km). @experiencealula
Images: Provided