AlUla Desert Blaze: The Toughest Race in the Region, Just a 3-Hour Flight Away

With less than 7 days remaining until the second edition of AlUla Desert Blaze starting on 24th August 2024, anticipation is mounting for what's known as the toughest race in the region. Set against the stunning, historic backdrop of AlUla, the ancient oasis city in northwest of Saudi Arabia, this gruelling challenge promises an extraordinary test of endurance conveniently located just a short flight from major regional cities.

AlUla is highly accessible, located just three hours from Dubai via FlyDubai and under three hours from Doha with Qatar Airways. It is also directly connected to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam by air. Additionally, travelers from various cities within Saudi Arabia can reach AlUla by road, with a three-hour drive from both Madinah and Tabuk.

AlUla Desert Blaze is a marquee event in the year-round AlUla Moments calendar of events and festivals, offering participants the chance to race through landscapes ranging from majestic sandstone cliffs and undulating valleys to lush, verdant oases and fertile farmlands – a stunning backdrop against which runners of all abilities will be battling it out for a share of SAR 176,000 (US$ 46,900) in cash prizes. 

It’s not too late to take part in this bucket-list challenge, with tickets for all four AlUla Desert Blaze races—the 5km (SAR 70), 10km (SAR 120), 21km (SAR 200), and 42km (SAR 350)— still available. This exceptional sporting event welcomes men and women of all fitness levels, offering a racing experience unlike anything else in the region.

Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the starting point for runners participating in the 5km, 10km, and 21km races. Those looking to push themselves to the absolute limit by taking on the arduous 42km trail will be setting out from the heart of the Ashar Valley at Maraya, the record-breaking mirrored concert hall. 

From hosting various sporting events such as the AlUla Camel Cup and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup to the prestigious cycling event of the AlUla Tour and the winter running challenge, the AlUla Trail Race, AlUla continues to advance the sustainable development of its sports and adventure offerings, cementing its place on the global map as the ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences.