AlUla Desert Blaze 2025 – Where Heat Meets Heritage

On August 16th, 2025, the deserts of AlUla once again roared with energy as over 500 runners gathered to take on the challenge of the AlUla Desert Blaze. Known as the hottest race in the region, this year’s event pushed athletes to their limits under the blazing desert sun, with temperatures climbing past 40°C.

Four race distances—5km, 10km, 21.1km half marathon, and the 42.2km full marathon—invited runners of all levels to test their endurance across one of the world’s most breathtaking backdrops.

The weekend began on August 15th with an exciting pre-race gathering at the Equestrian Village, where participants picked up their kits and joined the official briefing session. The venue’s unique charm and heritage setting created the perfect introduction to the race, filling the air with anticipation and camaraderie.

Adding to the excitement of the event, the AlUla Desert Blaze Store offered participants and visitors the chance to take home a piece of the race. From limited-edition apparel and performance gear to unique memorabilia inspired by AlUla’s heritage and desert landscapes, the merchandise collection was designed to be both functional and symbolic. Each item served as a lasting reminder of the challenge, resilience, and unforgettable atmosphere of the hottest race in the region.

As dawn broke at the Hegra South Gate, runners took their first strides into an unforgettable experience. The shorter distances delivered fast-paced excitement, while the half and full marathon courses truly tested mental and physical stamina, guiding athletes across historic trails and desert terrain.

Every finisher was welcomed into a buzzing event village filled with music, refreshments, recovery zones, and entertainment—transforming the finish line into a celebration of achievement, resilience, and community.

Despite the intense heat, the determination of the runners prevailed, producing extraordinary performances across all categories.

Here are the top finishers for each distance :

5KM Female Champions

1. Montserrat Ramirez de Angel

2. Sundos Alhawsawi

3. Tabea Suter

5KM Male Champions

1. Ameen Noor-Allah

2. Ammar Alshanqeeti

3. Omar Al-Mami

10KM Female Champions

1. Maria Markovicova

2. Abby Wanjiru

3. Alizee Alexandre

10KM Male Champions

1. Mohammed Alasiri

2. HASSAN Bariqi

3. Majed Otaif

Half Marathon 21.1KM Female Champions

1. Raniya AlHazmi

2. Rohana Zain

3. Denika Burger

Half Marathon 21.1KM Male Champions

1. NADIR Abdalla

2. Ahmad Yoosuf

3. Abdalmonem Almoselem

Full Marathon 42.2KM Female Champions

1. Raimonda Murphy

2. Farah Majed

Full Marathon 42.2KM Male Champions

1. Chakib Lachgar

2. Abdullbaset Alhamel

3. Khalid Al-Farsi

The AlUla Desert Blaze 2025 was not only a sporting challenge but also a celebration of unity, heritage, and the indomitable human spirit. Runners from across the globe left with memories of conquering the desert while surrounded by AlUla’s awe-inspiring history.

We extend our gratitude to all the participants for their passion and resilience, and to the Royal Commission for AlUla for their invaluable support in bringing this extraordinary event to life.

As we close another unforgettable chapter of the AlUla Desert Blaze, the journey continues. We can’t wait to welcome runners back to the desert for the next adventure with Us.