Hundreds of people took part in the first Riyadh International Half Marathon here on Saturday. The half marathon had three race categories: Professional (21 km), Amateur (8 km), and Fun Run (4 km). The professional category half marathon of 21 km started at 9 a.m. and ended at 12 noon.

The second category of 8-km race for amateurs and wheelchair-bound participants started at 3:00 p.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m. The last category of 4-km fun run started at 4:30 p.m. and ended at 5:30 p.m. Ten runners in each category grabbed a range of prizes and awards.

As per the rules, participants in the professional category were 14 years of age or above. There was no age limit for the amateur and fun categories in which special needs athletes also took part. The marathon started at King Saud University stadium and ended at the same point.

The event was organized with the full support and directives of Turki Al Alsheikh, Board Chairman of the General Sport Authority and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee. An official invitation to attend the event was sent to the president and the vice president of the International Athletics Associations Federation.

The Riyadh International Half Marathon set very high standards and specifications in line with the IAAF Regulations. More than 200 of the best world runners from 25 countries were invited to take part in this event. The Saudi Mass Participation Federation contributed to the Riyadh International Marathon by holding several associated events two days before the race.

SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE