Saudi Arabia: Runners Invited to Race in AlUla's Iconic Terrain

The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA
The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Runners Invited to Race in AlUla's Iconic Terrain

The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA
The 2026 edition offers six race distances. SPA

The AlUla Trail Race will return from 22 to 23 January 2026, offering runners from across Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla.

In what has become one of the most anticipated highlights on the AlUla Moments calendar, the 2026 edition continues to grow in scale and ambition, offering six race distances designed to welcome every type of participant, from young first-time runners to elite ultra-distance athletes.

The race series includes the Kids Run (1.6km) for children aged five to twelve, the Sunset Run (3km) for runners aged 13 and above, the 10km trail run, and a 23km distance suited to more experienced participants.

For experienced athletes, the demanding 50km course provides a stern test of ability and endurance, while the 100km ultra trail race is reserved for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will finish in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.

The two-day format creates an atmosphere that combines athletic challenge with discovery, culture, and connection. On Day One (22 January), runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run.

Day Two (23 January) will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100km, followed by the starts of the 50km, the 23km, and the 10km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.

With participation numbers growing each year, and the global trail-running community increasingly recognizing AlUla as a world-class running destination, demand is expected to be high.

The AlUla Trail Race is part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to celebrate and promote AlUla as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.

Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, the exclusive AlUla Desert Polo, and the AlFursan Endurance AlUla - one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.



Morocco Fans Celebrate ‘Justice’ After AFCON Title Decision, but Appeal Worries Linger

A man holds a Moroccan newspapers following CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Rabat on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
A man holds a Moroccan newspapers following CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Rabat on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
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Morocco Fans Celebrate ‘Justice’ After AFCON Title Decision, but Appeal Worries Linger

A man holds a Moroccan newspapers following CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Rabat on March 18, 2026. (AFP)
A man holds a Moroccan newspapers following CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Rabat on March 18, 2026. (AFP)

Moroccan fans have welcomed their team's ‌controversial coronation as Africa Cup of Nations champions, though some urged caution as Senegal prepare to challenge the ruling that has sent shockwaves through African football.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared Morocco champions on Tuesday after ruling Senegal forfeited the January 18 final in Rabat by walking off the pitch for 14 minutes in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded against them.

Although Senegal later returned and secured a 1-0 extra-time victory, CAF's Appeal Board reversed the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

The Senegalese Football Federation said it would appeal the "unprecedented and unacceptable" ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), while the Royal Moroccan Football Federation said the "strict application" of the rules ‌would help African ‌football.

Reactions within Morocco were largely positive, with supporters hailing the ‌ruling ⁠as overdue justice.

"The ⁠surprise was that a fair decision was actually made, but if we look at the reasoning behind it, it is logical and does justice to the team that truly deserved the title. It also sets a precedent - walking off the pitch because a match is slipping away is not acceptable," said Abdelmalek Hamza, a fan in Casablanca.

"The decision was taken firmly, and the national team and the Moroccan people deserve this victory and ⁠this title."

Rabat-based Oussama Ouaddich, who attended the tournament, welcomed the ‌verdict, saying: "I am overjoyed. We deserved this trophy. After ‌a brutal injustice, justice is finally rendered to Morocco."

CAUTION AMID LEGAL CHALLENGE

However, some fans remained ‌cautious with a potential appeal to CAS still pending.

"Honestly, I am not happy yet. ‌We need to wait and see what happens with the appeal. The decision is not final," said Imane Fakhir, a university student.

Omar Fallouji, a football fan in Casablanca, added: "Thankfully, CAF was fair to us, and I hope the trophy will be given to us after the ‌Senegalese team appeal to CAS."

Others expressed little concern over the appeal.

"The Cup was stolen from us. CAF's decision corrected the situation ⁠and made justice ⁠to the Moroccan people," said Mohammed Akherraz, a lawyer in Rabat.

"Appealing the decision... is only to gain time but it is a right that would not alter the result."

Some Moroccans highlighted the need to avoid escalating tensions with Senegal.

"As a Moroccan, yes I am proud. But what I want even more is for this not to become a wound between our peoples," said Bilal Jouahri, an entrepreneur in Rabat.

"Let the lawyers, the committees, the institutions do their work. The anger and insults serve nobody. Football lives on emotion, but emotions pass. It is just a game and should not fuel hate," he added.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the ruling on Wednesday, saying it was important that decisions by the organization's disciplinary and appeals bodies were respected while Senegal's players ridiculed the decision on social media.


Real Madrid Faces Atletico in Key La Liga Derby as it Tries to catch Barcelona

16 March 2026, United Kingdom, Manchester: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold with team mates practice during a training session at the Etihad Stadium, ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match against Manchester City. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
16 March 2026, United Kingdom, Manchester: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold with team mates practice during a training session at the Etihad Stadium, ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match against Manchester City. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
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Real Madrid Faces Atletico in Key La Liga Derby as it Tries to catch Barcelona

16 March 2026, United Kingdom, Manchester: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold with team mates practice during a training session at the Etihad Stadium, ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match against Manchester City. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
16 March 2026, United Kingdom, Manchester: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold with team mates practice during a training session at the Etihad Stadium, ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg soccer match against Manchester City. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa

Real Madrid’s bid to catch Barcelona and win La Liga faces a critical test in the Spanish capital derby this weekend.

Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid on Sunday trailing Barcelona by four points with 10 rounds remaining.

A win ensures Real stays close to Barcelona or even gains ground on the front-runner if Hansi Flick's side were to stumble against Rayo Vallecano earlier on the same day, The AP news reported.

But a Real loss combined with a Barcelona victory would put Barcelona in a strong position to successfully defend its crown.

Real, Atletico and Barcelona are all feeling good after eliminating English opponents in the Champions League round of 16 this week.

Key matches Real will be seeking some vengeance for the 5-2 drubbing Atletico dealt it in their first league meeting at Metropolitano Stadium in September.

That result started the downfall of then-coach Xabi Alonso.

Real has had some more bad losses under Álvaro Arbeloa but Alonso’s replacement got a huge boost after his team handily defeated Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League quarterfinals.

Atletico is in third place in La Liga and a full 13 points behind Barcelona.

Atletico’s 7-5 aggregate win over Tottenham in the Champions League this week set up a European quarterfinal with Barcelona next month.

Barcelona will be heavily favored to dispatch Rayo at Camp Nou after it blasted Newcastle 7-2 on Wednesday.

Players to watch Raphinha is on fire after five goals in his last two games for Barcelona. He netted a hat trick in a 5-2 win over Sevilla in the last round and added two goals against Newcastle.

Kylian Mbappé played the last 20 minutes against City after missing several games with a knee injury. Arbeloa will now have to decide if his star striker is ready to start against Atletico or if it is best to use him off the bench.

Out of action Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tore a muscle in his upper right leg against City, meaning Andriy Lunin will be between the posts against Atletico.

Atletico goalie Jan Oblak is doubtful for the derby after a muscle injury in his torso ruled him out of the last game.

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García also left the midweek Champions League game with an injury scare, but his club said on Thursday he was fine and will be available for Rayo.


Man Utd Boss Carrick Expects Hard Test Against Resolute Bournemouth

Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick in action during the English Premier League match of Manchester United against Aston Villa, in Manchester, Britain, 15 March 2026. (EPA)
Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick in action during the English Premier League match of Manchester United against Aston Villa, in Manchester, Britain, 15 March 2026. (EPA)
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Man Utd Boss Carrick Expects Hard Test Against Resolute Bournemouth

Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick in action during the English Premier League match of Manchester United against Aston Villa, in Manchester, Britain, 15 March 2026. (EPA)
Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick in action during the English Premier League match of Manchester United against Aston Villa, in Manchester, Britain, 15 March 2026. (EPA)

Michael Carrick has told his Manchester United side to ready themselves for an awkward encounter away to Bournemouth on Friday as they look to maintain their challenge for a Champions League place.

The Red Devils have enjoyed a resurgence since former United and England midfielder Carrick was appointed caretaker boss in January until the end of the season.

United are now third in the Premier League ahead of their trip to south coast side Bournemouth after recovering from their first loss under Carrick, away to Newcastle, by beating top-four rivals Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday.

Bournemouth, however, are 10th in the table and have made life difficult for United in recent seasons, with December's remarkable 4-4 draw at Old Trafford extending their recent unbeaten run in this fixture.

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, tipped as a possible permanent manager of the Red Devils has not lost in five previous matches against United.

But such has been the club's revival under Carrick, appointed after former United team-mate Darren Fletcher's two-game spell in temporary charge following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, that the Old Trafford hierarchy may well stick with the 44-year-old come the end of the current campaign.

"It's a tough game," Carrick said of Bournemouth, undefeated in their last 10 matches in the Premier League.

"It's a tough place to go. They're on a really good run of form, so, yeah, a difficult game," he also told a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

"We're obviously going down there, we've had a good run and the boys are in good shape but, yeah, always a difficult game. Always has been and probably always will be.

"We know that, they're a really good team, well coached, really well coached, and good energy. We know we'll be in for a game down there on Friday."

United have won just two of their last seven away matches following a last-gasp 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

But Carrick said: "Whether it's home or away, it's not something we kind of look at too much. It's the next game, really."

He added: "It's been nice to be able to win at home and put that in place, and to go and play at Old Trafford with a real feeling of confidence and looking forward to the game and for the supporters to feel that as well and leaving with a good feeling."

Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez remain sidelined for Friday's match, but the latter is expected to be available when United return to action against Leeds on April 13.

The international break, lack of European fixtures and an early FA Cup exit mean United have an unusually long, 24-day, wait for a game after the Bournemouth match.

"You've got to be really flexible, you know, to come off the back of it in good shape," Carrick said.

"The boys will have a break, in some way, but we're definitely mindful of it for sure and it's a little bit unique in some ways, having the week after the internationals to prepare for the next game."