Saudi Arabia’s hottest race — literally — is back this summer. The third edition of AlUla Desert Blaze is taking place on August 15 and 16, 2025, in one of the Kingdom’s most scenic and historic regions. The event offers participants a rare chance to run through UNESCO World Heritage sites while testing their endurance in summer desert heat.
There are four race categories to choose from:
- 5 km
- 10 km
- 21.1 km (half-marathon)
- 42.2 km (full marathon)
The 5 km and 10 km races are open to runners aged 16 and above, while the half and full marathons require participants to be at least 18. All races begin at the Hegra Visitor Centre, and the official route will be revealed closer to race day.
A mandatory pre-race briefing takes place on August 15 (Friday) from 6 PM to 9 PM at AlFursan Village, where participants will also collect their race kits. Each kit includes a T-shirt, bandana, tote bag, and bib number.
Despite the beautiful surroundings, runners will face real heat — daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40s degrees, with cooler nights around 25–30°C. To support runners, the event will provide:
- Ambulances with mobile and stationary paramedics
- On-site nurses and physiotherapists
- Aide stations every 5 km with hydration, snacks, and cooling gear
After the run, there’s more to enjoy — DJ sets, a photo booth, food trucks, and a AlUla Desert Blaze merchandise booth.
Registration is now open via experiencealula.com, and early booking is encouraged.
And if you’re planning to return to this oasis city in the future, there’s more to look forward to. AlUla tramway is in the works, aiming to connect five of the region’s most important heritage sites by 2027. Once complete, it will offer a convenient way to explore the region’s ancient landmarks.
Also, mark your calendars — popular AZIMUTH festival is officially returning to AlUla this September.
