Madinah, February 20, 2025 – The Ministry of Sport’s Madinah branch launched the highly anticipated Ma’alem Marathon on Saturday, an event designed not only to promote healthy lifestyles but also to highlight the rich cultural and historical significance of Madinah. The marathon invited participants to explore some of the city's most renowned Islamic and archaeological landmarks, blending fitness with tourism and fostering a sense of community engagement.
This year’s marathon took on an important cause—raising awareness about the conservation of the Arabian leopard, a species facing endangerment. The event commenced at the iconic Quba Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant landmarks in the Islamic world. The race followed the historic Darb Al-Sunnah path, a route deeply connected to the region’s cultural heritage, providing participants with a scenic and meaningful backdrop as they competed.
The marathon offered a range of categories to ensure inclusivity, with divisions for amateurs, professional athletes, families, and individuals with special needs. This broad range of options allowed people from all walks of life to take part in the event, emphasizing both physical health and social participation. In addition to its fitness focus, the marathon sought to further enrich Madinah’s tourism sector, showcasing the city’s deep-rooted heritage and its role as a central figure in Islamic history.
After the spirited race, the event concluded with a prize ceremony, where awards were presented to the winners across all categories, celebrating both individual achievement and the collective spirit of the event.
The Ma’alem Marathon stands as a testament to the Ministry of Sport’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the Saudi community while promoting the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. By aligning fitness with environmental and historical conservation efforts, the marathon served as a unique platform for spreading awareness on both a local and global scale. The focus on the Arabian leopard’s conservation adds an additional layer of significance to the event, merging sports, tourism, and ecological responsibility in one impactful initiative.