In A First, Saudi Women Run Marathon

Photos of women in Saudi Arabia taking part in its first such marathon at the weekend is going around, local media reported. In a progressive move, the highly conservative kingdom hosted its first 3 km (two-mile) race for women on Saturday (March 3) to boost female participation in sports.

VIDEO: ‘Al-Ahsa Runs,’ first marathon for women in #SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/eFWmjvZcQb

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 4, 2018

This was the first time that such a marathon was organised for women, according to the Arab media.  Over 1,500 women participated in the event

People of the country got to see the landmark event. Around 2,000 women signed up for the run, a much higher than expected number which forced organisers to stop accepting participants. Hundreds of women runners dressed in traditional Islamic attire raced in the eastern Al-Ahsa region.

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"The aim of the marathon is to promote running and introduce the concept of sports for all, for a healthier way of life," Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya News quoted the marathon's supervisor, Malek al-Mousa, as saying.

1500 women participated for the first time in an all-female marathon on Saturday morning in Saudi Arabia. Pics 👇 https://t.co/xfNO8fYhff

— Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) March 3, 2018

Interestingly, Mizna Al Nassar, the winner of the first women’s marathon in Saudi, said that of all goes well, she is planning to represent her country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, according to reports. She also added that her family supports her in this passion and that there were no obstacles to participate in track competitions.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Celebrates Its First Women’s Day

Nassar had earlier represented the kingdom at the Islamic solidarity games and the Arab games

Al-Ahsa Runs: All-female marathon in #SaudiArabia for the first time, and Mizna Al-Nassar won the first place!

The event is sponsored by: @GSAKSA - @AlmoosaHospitalhttps://t.co/QmthaTCw2i

— ار يو اتش | RUH (@RUHMagazine) March 4, 2018

This development came after Saudi officials announced women’s participation in the Riyadh international marathon next year. Sports authorities are set to organise another marathon for women in Mecca on April 6, pro-government Okaz newspaper reported.

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?‼?? Saudi Arabia: Lots of hijabs and niqabs. For the first time in the history of the kingdom there was a pure 3km women's marathon, "Al-Ahsa Runs", in which about 1500 women in different categories (young, old, amateur etc.) participated. pic.twitter.com/lu9VGvZ8tE

— Onlinemagazin (@OnlineMagazin) March 4, 2018

The first female marathon in #saudi Arabia. #mohammadbinsalman pic.twitter.com/UnC2szr3lD

— Dr.Yazid alrajeh (@yazidalrajeh) March 4, 2018

Thousands of participants at Riyadh 1st international marathon@GSAKSA#SaudiArabia
pic.twitter.com/3yaVOCdsD6

— عادل التويجري (@Adelaltwaijri) February 24, 2018

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