AlUla Desert Blaze: A resounding success for the inaugural running event in Saudi Arabia's ancient city

The sold-out inaugural AlUla Desert Blaze was a resounding success, with 174 runners from 39 nations taking part in the challenge. The event took place on Saturday, 26th August, 2023, and saw athletes from all over the world race through the stunning desert landscape of AlUla.

The race offered four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km. Runners of all fitness levels were able to participate, and the event was a great opportunity for people to push themselves to their limits and experience the unique beauty of AlUla.

The winners of the 42km race were Hana Zemedkun from Ethiopia (female) and Chakib Lachgar from Morocco (male). Malika Benderbal from Algeria won the 21km female race, and Robert Kimutai Ngeno from Kenya won the 21km male race. Ruth Danies Albert Jbet from Bahrain and Yousef Al Asiri from Saudi Arabia won the 10km female and male races respectively. Canada's Carla Korpijaakko and Saudi Arabia's Abdulaziz Al Ghamdi won the 5km female and male races respectively.

The event was well-organized and supported, with plenty of water stations and medical staff on hand. The route was also well-marked, making it easy for runners to navigate.

The AlUla Desert Blaze was a great success, and it is sure to become a popular event in the years to come. It is a testament to the city's commitment to promoting sports and tourism, and it is a great way to experience the beauty of AlUla.

Here are some additional details that could be added to the article:

• The AlUla Desert Blaze was the first running event of its kind in Saudi Arabia.
• The event was held in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.
• The route passed by some of AlUla's most iconic landmarks, including the Mada'in Saleh tombs.
• The event was well-received by runners, who praised the organization and the beauty of the course.
• The AlUla Desert Blaze is expected to become a regular event in the future