Saudi Sports for All Federation, Jeddah Historic District Program Collaborate for Inaugural Half Marathon

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA)
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA)
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Saudi Sports for All Federation, Jeddah Historic District Program Collaborate for Inaugural Half Marathon

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA)
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA)

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) and the Jeddah Historic District Program, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, have announced a collaboration to organize the Historic Jeddah Half Marathon on March 2.
According to a statement released by SFA on Thursday, this inaugural event, the first of its kind in the district, aims to highlight the vibrant heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic Jeddah Historic District while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all members of society.
The statement said there will be four races on the day: the half marathon (21km), open to ages 18 and above; a 10km for ages 12 and above; and 4km and 1km races, both open to all age groups, catering to all ages and abilities. Assistance will be provided for runners with special needs.
Each race will start and finish at Bab Jadid, with runners winding their way through charming streets, past iconic landmarks, and bustling markets. Nassif House, a breathtaking example of traditional architecture; Al-Matbouli Museum; Al-Juffali Mosque; King Fahd Fountain; and the Jeddah Corniche are among the many cultural sights runners will experience within the Jeddah Historic District, the release said.
A race village will also be created and open from February 29, offering entertainment, games, cultural performances, a live DJ, and traditional food for participants and supporting visitors to enjoy the events.
"The marathon aligns with the SFA goal of making more of the nation active, and it also shines a spotlight on Saudi culture and heritage, promoting tourism. This is how we build a stronger Kingdom,” said SFA President Prince Khaled bin Alaweed bin Talal Al-Saud.
Director General of Jeddah Historic District Program Abdulaziz Al-Issa said that the marathon falls within the essence of regeneration of Jeddah's Historic District, adding that the event "aims to enhance the quality of life and enrich the visitor experience by highlighting the district's architectural treasures that tell a long and captivating story, representing a proud part of the Kingdom's rich history."



Rafael Nadal to Be Honored with a Tribute at the French Open

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Paris, France - June 6, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal poses on the Alexandre III bridge in front of the Eiffel Tower with the trophy after winning the men's singles French Open title REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Paris, France - June 6, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal poses on the Alexandre III bridge in front of the Eiffel Tower with the trophy after winning the men's singles French Open title REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
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Rafael Nadal to Be Honored with a Tribute at the French Open

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Paris, France - June 6, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal poses on the Alexandre III bridge in front of the Eiffel Tower with the trophy after winning the men's singles French Open title REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Paris, France - June 6, 2022 Spain's Rafael Nadal poses on the Alexandre III bridge in front of the Eiffel Tower with the trophy after winning the men's singles French Open title REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

Retired 14-time champion Rafael Nadal will receive a tribute at the French Open on Court Philippe-Chatrier on May 25, the tournament’s opening day.

“Rafa has left his mark on the history of the French Open in so many ways, that’s why a tribute ceremony will be held in his honor,” French Open director Amélie Mauresmo said on Thursday. “We want the tribute to be special, exceptional. We want it to be a surprise for everyone.”

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion who retired in November, already has a statue rising in the alleys of the clay court Grand Slam. He will also feature in an exhibition in the tournament museum and lend his voice to the official French Open trailer, The Associated Press said.

“We wanted to do the tribute last year, to be transparent, but he refused at the time,” Mauresmo said. “He wasn’t sure that it was his last Roland Garros. Now that he is retired, he is happy to receive it.”

Nadal holds the record for the most French Open titles with 14. His last appearance at the tournament was in 2024 when he lost to Alexander Zverev in the first round.

“Rafael Nadal and Roland Garros are inseparable. We have a strong history together,” said Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation. “Amélie and I went to see him not long ago because we wanted to do something important for him. We still had some frustration from last year.”

Organizers also plan to build on the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics by setting up a fan zone with giant screens showing matches. Located at Place de la Concorde in central Paris, the venue will be free and open to up to 5,000 fans.

“We saw an incredible atmosphere last summer in Paris. We plan on surfing on this success,” Mauresmo said.