Riyadh Marathon 2026: My Experience Running 10K & What to Expect
My Experience Running 10K At Riyadh Marathon 2026
I recently participated in my first-ever 10K run at the Riyadh Marathon 2026.
This was not only my first time joining a marathon event but doing so as an expat living in Saudi Arabia made the experience even more special and memorable.
In this article, I’m sharing my personal experience and what to expect if you’re planning to join your first run or marathon in Riyadh. I’ll cover everything from registration, what to wear on race day, and some FAQs.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through any links here.
When and Where is the Riyadh Marathon 2026?
Riyadh Marathon 2026 was held on Saturday, 31st January 2026, at Princess Nourah University, Riyadh.
How To Register For The Riyadh Marathon
Registration opened around mid-October, though I didn’t sign up until November. You can register directly through the official Riyadh Marathon website.
When I registered, the price was SAR 55 per person, which is incredibly affordable for a major marathon event. My husband and I both signed up for the 10K category.
Pro-Tip: Register early if you can. Since I signed up before the December price hike, I paid the lower rate.
After early December, the price usually jumps to around SAR 85. More importantly, the 10K category sells out fast. Once it’s gone, you can’t pick it, I knew several runners who had to sign up for the 21K (half marathon) just to participate.
Register here: View Website
Visa Process For International Runners (Expat / Tourist)
If you’re an international runner traveling from outside Saudi Arabia, you’ll most likely enter via:
- Saudi eVisa (Tourist Visa)
- Visa on Arrival (Depending on your nationality)
If you are a GCC resident living in a neighboring country, you may be eligible for a different visa type. To be safe, apply early to give yourself a buffer time. Having your accommodation booking ready is also helpful, as it is often a requirement for the application.
Where To Stay In Riyadh (For Marathon Weekend)
The venue for the Riyadh Marathon has changed in previous years. It is a good idea to wait for the official venue confirmation before booking if you want to stay within close distance to the venue.
For Riyadh Marathon 2026, it was held at Princess Nourah University in North Riyadh, which is conveniently close to King Khalid International Airport.
Best Areas to Stay in North Riyadh:
- Qurtuba
- Al Munsiyah
- Ghirnatah
- Al Nada
Recommended Hotels Nearby:
Fairmont Riyadh
- Location: Qurtuba, Riyadh
- Type: 5-Star / Luxury
- Price per night: SAR 1500 ($400)
- Booking: Expedia
Hilton Hotel and Residences
- Location: Ghirnatah, Riyadh
- Type: 5 Star / Luxury
- Price per night: SAR 900 ($240)
- Booking: Expedia
Radisson Blu Hotel Riyadh Qurtuba
- Location: Qurtuba, Riyadh
- Type: 4-Star / Affordable Luxury
- Price per night: SAR 765 ($200)
- Booking: Expedia
Liora Boutique Hotel
- Location: Al Yasmin, Riyadh
- Type: 3-Star / Boutique Hotel
- Price per night: SAR 520 ($140)
- Booking: Expedia
Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh
- Location: Al Olaya, Riyadh
- Type: 4-Star / Affordable Luxury
- Price per night: SAR 500 ($130)
- Booking: Expedia
What To Wear During Riyadh Marathon for Men and Women
This is one of the most common questions: What is allowed, comfortable, and appropriate?
From my experience at the 2026 Riyadh Marathon event, the dress code is actually quite flexible. You will see a wide variety of styles and modesty levels.
For Men: It is very common to see runners in standard running shorts.
For Women: The styles vary significantly. I saw women running in black abayas, as well as many expat women in leggings and athletic tops (including sleeveless tops!)
My Outfit (as a hijabi): I wore track pants, a long-sleeve dry-fit shirt underneath my official marathon shirt, and a tie-back sports hijab.
While the marathon atmosphere is more relaxed than the usual daily dress code in Saudi Arabia, I still recommend being respectful of local cultural norms while choosing what makes you comfortable.
Running Outfit Recommendations
If you are wondering on what you should wear for Riyadh Marathon, here are some running outfit recommendations from Amazon:
Surenow Mens 2 in 1 Running Shorts with Liner
Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
Running Gear For Newbie Runners
As a first time runner, I used to think I needed a lot of fancy running gear. But honestly, you don’t. These are things that I bought for myself, used them during the marathon, and I think they can be useful for you too.
Proper Running Shoes (Non-Carbon Plated) – this is the most important investment for your run (and during your training). The right shoes determine your speed and protect your knees. I personally used the Nike Pegasus 41 running shoes and loving it!
You will also need a proper running socks to prevent blisters.
Running Waist Bag – This is an absolute must-have! It allows you to keep your essentials on you and avoid the hassle of the baggage drop. My husband and I got ours from a Decathlon store in Riyadh.
He said that it’s very comfortable on him and he didn’t feel a thing while carrying both of our mobiles inside the bag while running. I also think it’s comfy, not bulky, and very practical as the bag has double strap so it doesn’t move when you’re running.
Sunglasses: Even in winter, the Riyadh sun is scorching. On race day, it reached nearly 30°C, which is quite hot for Riyadh standards during winter. You will absolutely need a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes and complete your run successfully!
Running Visor: Highly recommended to protect yourself from the sun.
Vaseline: Since the weather in Riyadh is very dry (both in summer and winter), you’ll need to step up your moisturizing routine. To keep your heels, inner thighs, and lips moisturized (and to prevent chafing), use Vaseline!
High Quality Sports Bra: Trust me ladies, you don’t want to run without a highly supportive sports bra. It’s crucial to avoid any chest or back pain.
Race Kit Collection & the Marathon Festival Village
If you’re a first-timer, you might be surprised to learn that the Riyadh Marathon isn’t just a one-day race, it’s actually a massive 4-day celebration!
The Marathon Festival Village opens 3 days before the big race (from January 28–30), and it’s where you’ll go to pick up your race kit.
Your kit includes your personal bib, a bag, and your official T-shirt.
I highly recommend heading there early to soak in the vibes. It’s a full-on event with food trucks, specialty coffee stands (a must in Riyadh!), and booths from various brands.
There are also live performances and interactive games to get everyone hyped up. Even if you aren’t running, the village is open to the public and has such a contagious, high-energy atmosphere.
It really turns the whole weekend into more than just a workout, it’s a whole community festival!
How To Get To Riyadh Marathon Venue
The organizers recommended two main modes of transport:
Driving: This is the easiest if you’re used to Riyadh traffic, but be aware of extensive road closures. Using Uber or Careem is often better than driving yourself. While there are designated parking areas, many participants complained that the walk from the parking lot to the start line was very long.
Metro: My husband and I chose the Metro, and it was the most convenient option. We drove to the SABIC station, parked there, and took the train. From there, it was only two stations away to “PNU2,” which is right at the marathon venue.
Tip: Whichever method you choose, arrive much earlier than you think you need to. Marathon logistics always take longer than expected!
Logistics Preparation – Bathrooms & Locker Situation
Use the bathrooms before you leave: Some things to note, there may not be enough bathrooms to support a huge crowd.
If you take the Metro, I highly recommend using the bathroom at the station before arriving at the festival site. I also personally limit my liquid intake right before the race to avoid the long bathroom lines.
Pack light to avoid baggage drop: To avoid the post-race baggage chaos, try to pack light and carry *just* the essentials in your waist bag.
If you must use the bag drop, don’t use the official marathon bag provided during your race kit collection. Since everyone has the same one, it is very hard to find yours in the pile. Use a unique colored bag instead.
Weather During Riyadh Marathon 2026: What To Expect
January in Riyadh is usually great for outdoor events, but the sun is still intense. The Riyadh Marathon starts a bit later than many international marathons.
- 42km (Full): Starts at 6:30 AM
- 21km (Half): Starts at 7:30 AM
- 10km: Starts around 9:00 – 9:30 AM
- 5km: Starts at 11:30 AM (right when the sun is at its peak)
Aid Stations: Water & Refreshments
There are aid stations throughout the course. For the 10K and 5K routes, these are primarily water stations. Refreshments like quick energy bites are usually reserved for the half and full marathon runners during the race. Everyone else receives their refreshments after crossing the finish line.
Post-Race & Recovery (Medal, Snacks & What To Do After)
Once you cross that finish line the feeling will be completely surreal! There is nothing quite like that rush of realizing you actually did it 🥳
After you finish, you can expect to receive your finisher medal, quick snacks at the finish line, and soak in the energy of everyone celebrating and taking photos.
To help your body recover, I highly recommend drinking water and electrolytes immediately and doing some gentle stretching.
You’ll definitely want to eat a proper meal within 1–2 hours. In Riyadh, there are so many great post-run options! I’d suggest looking for a balance of carbs and protein.
Marathon Events in Saudi Arabia
If you enjoyed the Riyadh Marathon (or you’re looking for your next challenge), the running scene in Saudi is growing every year!
You might want to check out the AlUla Trail Race if you’re looking for more scenic, adventure vibes. There are also plenty of community 5K/10K runs and seasonal charity runs popping up throughout the kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a 10K considered a marathon?
Technically, no. A full marathon is 42km. However, many events (like this one) use “Marathon” as the umbrella name for the entire race weekend, which includes the 5K, 10K, half, and full distances. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I joined the Riyadh Marathon 2026 (10K category).”
How did you train for the 10K run as a first-time runner?
I joined a virtual running club organized by Aisha Preece and trained for 10 weeks leading up to the marathon. We started the first week with a 1K run twice a week. Every week after that, we increased the distance by 1K and committed to running twice a week. This gradual build-up really helped my stamina to eventually run a 10K!
Is 10k run beginner-friendly?
Absolutely! A 10K is very doable for first-timers, but you do need to put in some hours of training. I also started a strength training routine a year prior to this, which definitely helped. However, if you haven’t done any kind of regular exercise before, it’s best to start with a 5K and put in consistent training (like twice a week) to make sure your body and stamina can handle the distance.
Are there any training clubs I could join in Riyadh?
As a matter of fact, yes! There are several active running communities in the city, such as R7 Run Club and Riyadh Urban Runners, which are great for meeting fellow expats and locals. The Riyadh Marathon website also provides specific training sessions and guides to help you get race-ready.
Final Thoughts: Will I Join the Riyadh Marathon Again?
I most likely will! Running is truly addictive. As someone who was a non-runner all my life, I never thought I could do this.
And this small achievement has really boosted my motivation and confidence to do more. If you’re thinking of joining a run or marathon but feel nervous, I just want to say: you don’t need to look like a pro runner to run. We all have to start somewhere.
You just need to show up, start, and keep going. If I can finish my first-ever 10K, trust me, you can too!
