JEDDAH: About 2,000 men, women and children took part in the Jeddah Green Spirit Run on Friday, setting off from Bab Jadeed in the heart of the city’s Historic District.
Organized by Masafat Club, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Sports for All Federation and Jeddah Historic District, the 5 km and 2 km races were held to mark Saudi National Day.
“This event is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of our nation’s unity, diversity and shared spirit,” said Khalid Yamani, president of Masafat.
“It’s a great patriotic community event and open to all family members of all age categories and all nationalities. It is a great occasion for showing our spirit, enthusiasm and patriotism for this beloved country.”
Yamani said he was delighted at how many people had taken part.
“The whole idea of Green Spirit Run was to rally residents of Jeddah to come and celebrate National Day together through sports. Around 2,000 responded to the call, which exceeded the target that we thought would be achievable.”
Now in its sixth year, the annual event combines the runs with displays of cultural traditions and lots of family entertainment.
Both races started at Bab Jadid and took in the Historical Hajj Pilgrimage Route, Bab Al Bunt, Beit Nassif, Al Falah School and other significant landmarks.
Abdul Mohsen Al-Najjar took part in the 5 km race alongside his son, Adel. He said he had been a regular walker for 20 years but this was the first time he had entered a fun run.
“Celebrating our National Day along with all these runners is really something … I brought my son with me … to make him enjoy the run with pride as a Saudi.”
One of the oldest competitors was 70-year-old Hassan Al-Twairqi.
“I have been running for many years and I will never stop doing what I love,” he said. “I walk and run every day and it is becoming a lifestyle for me. Today, we celebrate our National Day … and I am very proud to be part of this run.”
Louis Tanjani, a Filipino who works for a private company in Jeddah, said he never missed an opportunity to celebrate Saudi National Day.
“It is a special day for this great country and it is our duty to celebrate with our fellow Saudis. Running today is a way to express our love to this country,” he said.
The winner of the 5 km race was Abdullah Al-Hasoli in a time of 14:59, while Mohammed Nabil was first home in the 2 km event in a time of 9:58.
