The Riyadh Marathon is not just a race, but a four-day winter celebration in Riyadh where the city’s fitness energy meets festival vibes in one of the capital’s most iconic areas: Diriyah.
What makes it special is the timing and the setting. Late January is when Riyadh feels its most walkable and alive outdoors, and hosting the festival at Mayadeen, Diriyah turns it into a full weekend plan, not a one-morning event.
Riyadh Marathon 2026 at a glance
| What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Jan 28–31, 2026 |
| Race day | Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 |
| Location | Mayadeen, Diriyah (Riyadh) |
| Distances | 42K, 21K, 10K, 5K |
| Kit pickup | Jan 28–30 at Race Village (no race-day pickup) |
| Course map | Routes will be announced closer to the event |
The Festival Experience
The “must-go” part of this years Riyadh Marathon isn’t only the finish line, it’s the build-up. For four days, the Race Village at Mayadeen is positioned as a festival space with non-stop entertainment, festive zones, and race-day energy.
What the Race Village Vibe is Like
Officially, the village is framed as the heart of the experience where you come to:
- Feel the hype before race day,
- Browse activations,
- Hang out with friends and family,
- Turn “I’m going to a race” into “I’m out at an event.”
Even if you’re not racing, it’s an easy win: you can show up for the atmosphere, support someone running, take photos, grab a bite, and leave feeling like you got the best version of winter in Diriyah.
Who Should Come
The Riyadh Marathon Festival is especially good for:
- Spectators who love big-event energy (cheering hits different here)
- Families looking for a winter evening plan that feels wholesome and exciting
- Visitors who want an “only-in-Riyadh” weekend moment
- Friends of runners who want to participate in the weekend without doing 21K
Best time to Visit the Festival
If you want maximum vibes with minimum stress:
- Go in the evenings (Jan 28–30) for the festival energy and pre-race excitement.
- Go early on race day (Jan 31) if you want the buzz of the crowd, the build-up, and the big “start line” moment.
Which Riyadh Marathon Race Should You Choose?
The easiest way to talk yourself into going? Choose a distance that matches your life right now. The Riyadh Marathon Festival includes four race options: Full Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.0975 km), 10 km, and 5 km.
1) Marathon (42K) = Achievement Bucket-list
This is your “I’ll remember this forever” choice, the one that turns a winter weekend into a personal milestone. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally do a marathon, having it anchored to a festival experience in Diriyah makes the whole thing feel bigger than a stopwatch.
The registration page lists the marathon as 20+.
2) Half Marathon (21K) = The Sweet Spot
For many runners, the half marathon is the perfect mix:
- challenging enough to feel legendary,
- realistic enough to train for,
- and you still have energy to enjoy the rest of the weekend after you finish.
The registration page lists the half as 18+.
3) 10K = Social + First-timer Friendly
Want a real race feeling without a full training overhaul? The 10K is where a lot of first-timers thrive:
- It’s long enough to feel like you did something,
- Short enough to keep the day fun,
- Ideal for going with friends.
The registration page lists the 10K as 17+.
4) 5K = Families + Casual (and still a moment)
The 5K is the “everyone can join” option, especially if you want:
- A family memory,
- A group run with friends,
- A participation vibe without pressure.
The registration page notes the 5K is open to all ages, and that children should be accompanied by an adult.
Planning Made Easy
Big events are fun when they’re smooth. These practical details are what keep your weekend feeling effortless.
1) Kit Pickup Dates + Location
Race bibs and gear must be collected Jan 28–30 at the Race Village in Mayadeen, Diriyah. You’ll also need your ID (National ID/Iqama/Passport) and your QR code to collect your kit.
2) What to Wear
January is typically Riyadh’s coolest month, with average highs around the upper 60s °F (around 20–21°C) and lows around the upper 40s–50°F (around 9–10°C).
Pack:
- A light jacket or hoodie for evenings,
- A breathable top for race morning,
- Sunglasses (sunny winter days are common),
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk more than you expect).
3) Hydration & refreshments
Refreshments will be available along the route every 2.5 km (plus options at the finish), so you can focus on enjoying the run and the experience.
More details will be released closer to the event, including the full course maps and routes, confirmed start and finish information, and official updates on road closures, parking, and access around Mayadeen and Diriyah.
Final Push
Riyadh Marathon Festival is the kind of winter event that turns into a story. Diriyah at its best, the city out in full spirit, and a festival atmosphere that makes you want to stay long after the last finisher crosses the line. Whether you’re chasing a milestone in the half or full marathon, doing a 10K with friends, or jumping into the 5K just for the vibes, you’ll leave feeling like you didn’t just attend an event, you caught Riyadh at its most alive.
So if you’ve been waiting for a reason to explore Diriyah properly, get outdoors in Riyadh’s best season, or finally sign up for a race, this is your moment!