AlUla Desert Blaze returns

ALULA: This week, amid the ancient rock formations and AlUla’s iconic landscapes will be a sight to behold: 18 elite international runners—and local athletes from the region—will be running across AlUla for the second annual Desert Blaze, which will take place on Aug. 24.

The 2024 Desert Blaze experience will take runners through AlUla; starting and ending at Hegra—the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site—offering runners a unique opportunity to journey through the footsteps of history, while being part of history. And those running the second half of the 42km marathon will go through the Ashar Valley and will journey through Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, a perhaps philosophical reflection on their endurance and dedication to the sport.

The combination of AlUla’s rugged natural beauty and the intense landscape—and smoldering heat—will create a challenging race that will be truly formidable, testing even the most seasoned of athletes.

Arab News spoke to Rami Almoallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) ahead of the race for some insights on what to expect this time around.

“This event is not just a race, it’s a unique and transformative experience, providing a new performance milestone for athletes and offering a unique perspective on AlUla’s rich visitor offerings,” Almoallim told us.

Last year’s very first Desert Blaze race was one for the books.

“The inaugural 2023 AlUla Desert Blaze proved to be a milestone event that truly exemplified AlUla’s adventurous spirit, while showcasing the breathtaking diversity of our historic landscapes. Ultimately, it solidified AlUla’s reputation as a premier destination for adventure and extreme challenges,” he added.

The AlUla Desert Blaze is considered to be “the toughest in the region”—for good reason.

“The AlUla Desert Blaze is known as ‘the toughest race in the region’ due to its extreme conditions and challenging terrain,” he said. “The race takes place in one of the hottest climates in the world—at the peak of the summer heat—requiring participants to push their limits as they navigate through tough desert landscapes. It’s not just a physical challenge but a mental one as well, demanding resilience, endurance, and determination.”

This year, the team promises to build on lessons learned from last year, in order to elevate the overall experience.

“Our goal is to take participants on an even more daring journey through time and terrain, pushing them to their limits in what has quickly become known as the toughest race in the region,” Almoallim added. “Desert Blaze has already become a bucket-list challenge for endurance athletes, attracting participants from across the globe. The event is set to become a fixture in the global endurance racing calendar, reflecting our commitment to establishing AlUla as a premier hub for sports tourism,” he said.

There is also a monetary incentive, in addition to the lifelong memories. The prize money remains the same as last year; with SR 176,000 ($46,900) being split among the winners of the 10km, 21km, and 42km races.

And many runners are returning for round two.

“We are thrilled to welcome back several competitors from last year’s races. Notably, Karis Brown, who came in 3rd overall in the Female Desert Blaze marathon, and Manal Rostom, the well-known Egyptian athlete, will be competing again. We also look forward to welcoming back Loui Blake, the popular ultra-endurance athlete and influencer,” he said.

Their return not only highlights the event’s growing—and glowing—reputation, but also highlights the seemingly rewarding experience that AlUla Desert Blaze offers.

Of course, this could not be done without a dedicated staff and team of professionals who will be on standby to support the runners as they run across the space, whether they run the 5km, 10km, 21km, or the full 42km. There will be hydration stations every 2.5km, and medical teams will be at the ready across the route; providing resources to help runners safely navigate and manage the extreme conditions. There will be aid stations along the route which will provide essential supplies; such as water, ice buckets, energy gels and fresh fruits. Runners will have access to comprehensive medical services and amenities, including ambulances with roaming and stationed paramedics, nurses and physiotherapists.

“Preparation for an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning and coordination. From the perspective of the organizers, no detail is too small, and we leave nothing to chance—from ensuring the safety and comfort of participants to maintaining the integrity of the challenging course through AlUla’s stunning yet rugged terrain,” Almoallim assured us.

Participants will be flying in from across the globe, with a significant number of elite athletes hailing from East Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Kenya. The event will also see strong representation from the region, with both men and women taking part.

The local community in AlUla will, no doubt, be at the forefront at Desert Blaze. Many locals will be participating in the race itself, and a significant number will take part as staff and marshals.

“The presence of local runners adds a unique dynamic to the race, allowing them to represent their home on an international stage,” Almoallim said. “The community’s participation enhances the event’s authenticity and underscores the deep connection between the people of AlUla and their historic landscape. Their involvement is a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for showcasing AlUla’s beauty and hospitality to a global audience.”

The AlUla Desert Blaze event will also significantly add to the morphing repertoire within the growing portfolio of sport-related offerings in the Kingdom. It will, in addition, help position AlUla as being the go-to place for sustainable and responsible tourism.

“By hosting events that showcase the area’s natural and cultural richness, we’re not only promoting sports and adventure, but also fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and heritage of AlUla. This event stands as a testament to our dedication to preserving AlUla’s unique landscapes while delivering world-class experiences that draw visitors from around the globe,” Almoallim concluded.