Riyadh Urban Runners: The Pioneering Crew That Changed a City's Landscape
In 2016, at a time when the sport of running was just beginning to emerge in Riyadh, Eslam and Duaa started a movement. They founded Riyadh Urban Runners (RUR) to address a significant need: a community where people could feel safe and encouraged to be active outdoors. They faced a unique challenge, as it was particularly uncommon for women to run in public areas at the time. From this courageous start, they have built a large and incredibly diverse community that has changed the face of running in Saudi Arabia.
A Philosophy That Knows No Obstacles
The philosophy of Riyadh Urban Runners is one of empowerment and inclusivity. Guided by the belief that "there are no obstacles when it comes to running," their mission is to utilize the city's outdoor spaces and encourage people of all ages to integrate walking or running into an active and healthy lifestyle. The crew was founded to spread the message that running is a sport that can be done by anyone, anywhere. Under Amal's leadership since 2017, this philosophy has flourished, creating a space where the motto "Nothing limits us" is a lived reality.
The community of Riyadh Urban Runners is a true testament to their mission. Since they started, they have welcomed all levels, from first-time runners to seasoned marathoners. More importantly, they have created a diverse and multicultural melting pot, welcoming all genders, nationalities, professions, and cultures to run together. They were pioneers in creating a safe and encouraging environment for women who were previously hesitant to run in public, and they have become a shining example of the positive social changes in the Kingdom.
Riyadh Urban Runners extends a warm invitation to anyone and everyone in the city. Their community running group is designed to be a supportive entry point for those new to the sport and a motivating family for experienced runners. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels to stay up-to-date on their runs and be part of their inspiring journey.
The Riyadh Running Scene
As the pioneering crew, Riyadh Urban Runners helped to ignite the entire running scene in the capital. Their success has inspired the creation of numerous other running groups and clubs, which together have fostered a strong and rapidly growing culture of health and fitness. This thriving ecosystem, which RUR played a key role in developing, now offers a diverse range of options for the city's athletes.
The city of Riyadh is the massive, modern capital of Saudi Arabia, situated on a desert plateau in the country's center. The city has undergone incredible development and is a major global business hub. For runners, the climate presents a significant challenge with its very hot summers, meaning that early morning or late evening runs are essential for much of the year.
The runners of Riyadh have a unique and growing landscape to explore. A favorite and safe location for many is the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), which offers well-maintained and pedestrian-friendly paths for running. The natural oasis of Wadi Hanifa, a valley that runs through the city, also provides scenic trails for a beautiful escape. The premier racing event in the country is now the Riyadh Marathon. This world-class event, which includes a full marathon, half marathon, and 10k, has become a major international race, attracting participants from all over the globe and showcasing the incredible growth of the running community that RUR helped to build.