Special track allows families to participate in Jeddah Marathon

JEDDAH: Runners from around the world are set to take part in Friday’s Jeddah Marathon — but the event is not just for the sporting elite.

Members of the public are invited to take part in the Friday race with the launch this year of a 4 km public track aimed at both encouraging healthy lifestyles and giving an additional fun aspect to the event.

The Jeddah Marathon starts at 4 p.m. at the Corniche.

Prince Mishaal bin Majed, governor of Jeddah, said it is an important event, as it encourages all segments of society to exercise and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

This year runners from countries including Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Kenya, France, America and Morocco are participating — along with almost 200 Saudi marathon champions and runners.

Abdullah Bakhashab, the chairman of the organizing committee, told Arab News that the main goal of the Jeddah Marathon this year is the participation of public — hence why it is being held on a Friday and a special track has been prepared for the public.

The special track will allow members of the public to practice either alone or with their children to encourage healthy lifestyles.

The three other tracks are at distances of 4 km, 8 km and 21 km.