Epic Footsteps Across Timeless Trails: AlUla Trail Race 2026
- Race Arabia
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
There is a profound magic in running through a landscape that has stood unchanged for millennia. The AlUla Trail Race is more than a competition; it is a masterpiece of running through a living museum. On the 22nd and 23rd of January 2026, the quiet majesty of AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s sandstone valleys was awakened by the footfalls of thousands of athletes. They came seeking a challenge and found themselves humbled by the towering monuments of Hegra and the lush embrace of the ancient Oasis. The 2026 edition pushed limits, broke records, and forged unforgettable memories in the one of the most beautiful places on earth.
the 2026 edition offered a distance for every level of challenge and mastery. Each route was meticulously designed to weave through AlUla’s most iconic landmarks, turning a grueling physical challenge into a moving sightseeing tour.
The Hegra Hundred (100KM)
The ultimate test of endurance. This brutal yet majestic 100-kilometer ultramarathon took runners deep into the heart of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Athletes ran before the sun rises, navigating soft sand, rocky mountains and canyons, before witnessing the sunrise illuminate after the AlManshiyah climb. It was a spiritual journey as much as a physical one, demanding absolute resilience.
The AlMejdar (50KM)
For those seeking a serious test without hitting the triple-digit kilometers, the 50KM AlMejdar course was the sweet spot. Winding through the towering, sheer-walled canyons of the AlMejdar area, runners had to navigate technical rocky descents and punishing inclines. The echo of footsteps bouncing off the canyon walls created an almost rhythmic trance for the runners fighting the desert heat.
The Elephant Rock (23KM)
The 2026 edition of this wildly popular 23KM race truly special and spectacular was the starting line. In a breathtaking moment, runners didn't just run past the world-famous Elephant Rock—they actually began their race standing directly beneath the massive shadow of its trunk! As the starting horn echoed through the air, a wave of runners surged out from under the 52-meter-high sandstone beast, kicking off a fast, frantic, and visually stunning sprint. Navigating the relatively flat but demanding sandy terrain, athletes were rewarded with unparalleled, up-close views of this iconic monument standing proudly in the golden sands.
The AlUla Oasis (10KM)
The 10KM race offered a completely different vibe. Instead of vast open deserts, runners plunged into the AlUla Oasis, a lush, green labyrinth of towering date palms, citrus trees, and ancient mud-wall pathways. The air here was cooler, fragrant with the smell of damp earth and mint.
Community Runs
Adding to the inclusive spirit of the weekend, the Sunset Run (3KM) and the Kids Run (1.6KM) ensured that families and future trail champions could also leave their footprints in the sands of AlUla.
The 2026 Podium
To conquer the trails of AlUla takes more than just physical fitness; it requires an iron will and a fearless heart. This year, an runners brought the heat, delivering blistering paces and unforgettable finishes across every distance. Fighting for glory, heavy prize purses, and the ultimate bragging rights, these runners left everything they had out in the sand. Here is the official breakdown of the men and women who ruled the 2026 race:
100KM - Hegra Hundred Winners
Top 3 - Females
Tatiana Fedoseeva (RUS) – 12:07:51
Merieme Ouadid (MAR) – 13:12:15
Natsuko Moreton (JPN) – 16:01:34
Top 3 - Males
Abdelaziz Ahnida (MA) – 08:53:56
Sami Salem Al Saidi (OMA) – 09:49:53
Salameh Al Aqra (JOR) – 10:10:27
50KM - AlMejdar Winners
Top 3 - Females
Phidilia Masanju (KEN) – 05:22:30
Lisandra Gómez Charón (CUB) – 05:54:34
Raimonda Murphy (LTU) – 06:10:07
Top 3 - Males
Saleh Hamad (TCD) – 04:53:07
Salama Mohammed Almasbhy (KSA) – 04:57:31
Boubakr chandarli Braham (DZA) – 01:51:30
23KM - Elephant Rock Winners
Top 3 - Females
Lottie Lucas (GBR) – 02:07:30
Corina Toma (ROU) – 02:22:20
Bianca Silberbauer (ZAF) – 02:26:08
Top 3 - Males
Mohamed Anwar (EGY) – 01:38:20
Roba Mebratu (ETH) – 01:38:36
AlKhatab AlShabibi (OMN) – 01:43:45
10KM - Oasis Trail Winners
Top 3 - Females
Haya Ali Ahmed (ERI) – 50:30
Colette McGinn (GBR) – 50:49
Madeline Cornthwaite (GBR) – 51:46
Top 3 - Males
Mane Ride (IRQ) – 37:20
Moslem Alatwi (KSA) – 37:34
Abdulelah Alomar (KSA) – 38:17
A Massive Thank You
An event of this magnitude does not happen by accident. It requires a symphony of logistics, passion, and vision. We must extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to the organizers, course markers, ushers, volunteers and all the handworkers and cheering squads whose flawless execution made navigating the desert safe and spectacular.
Special thanks to the Royal Commision of AlUla who once again given us as Race Arabia the opportuniy of putting this event to life and the local authorities who opened up this pristine landscape to the global athletic community. Without their support, this living museum would not have become the ultimate playground for trail enthusiasts.
See You in AlUla Trail Race 2027!
As the dust settles on the AlUla Trail Race 2026, the memories of the canyons, the oasis, and the sweeping desert vistas remain etched in our minds. The blisters will heal, the sore muscles will recover, but the profound sense of accomplishment will last a lifetime.
Still can't quite picture the magic? Have a glimpse of exactly how spectacular it was by watching our official 2026 recap video below. Let the sheer scale of the desert and the energy of the runners speak for themselves!
If watching that footage and reading these stories has sparked a fire in your belly, don't let it fade. Use it as fuel. Whether you are a seasoned ultramarathoner looking to conquer the Hegra Hundred, or a weekend warrior wanting to jog through the AlUla Oasis, the desert is calling.
Start your training, hit the trails, and prepare your mind and body. We want to see YOU on the starting line of AlUla Trail Race 2027.
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