Alexis Berg via South China
In July 2020, Saudi Arabia launched its first walk-run event called “Step Together,” a series of competitive walk-runs that marked the Kingdom’s first outdoor event of the summer season. The inaugural 10-day event was deemed highly successful, with many participants walking and running either half or full marathons. This week, the Saudi Sports For All Federation (SFA) has announced that it is launching the second edition of the event (yes, in the same year!) in collaboration with Nike.
The event has been created in celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 90th National Day through community health and wellness, which are key focuses of the Kingdom’s Quality of Life Program. Starting September 13, participants from 16 years and above will engage in four weeks of walk-run challenges that amount to a total of 90 kilometers. During the first week, participants will take part in a 15 km walk-run, then in week 2, which starts on the 20th of September, the distance will increase to 20 km, week three to 25 km, and the last week will be 30 km.
#مشينا_لقدام pic.twitter.com/vyrpJQh8ot
— lati (@latialdagher) September 10, 2020
The event, which comes to a close on Saudi National Day, will have an actual dedicated leaderboard in the Nike Run Club (NRC) app, so that participants can see who are the nation’s top performers. In addition, participants will be eligible to win one of 10 Nike running kits, and the event plans to give out 40 SFA rewards of SR500 each as well. Those who successfully complete all four weeks of challenges will also be automatically entered into the draw to win prizes.
Very interesting meeting today with the head of Saudi Sports for All @Saudi_SFA HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal @KhaledAlwaleed and his competent team. Exploring cooperation opportunities in sports and health with particular focus on women and youth. pic.twitter.com/R7kf3wns3l
— Niclas Trouvé (@kopparbol) September 9, 2020
Speaking on the upcoming event, Prince Khaled Bin Alwaleed, who is the president of the SFA, said, “With this multi-distance walk-run, people are provided with a fun way to move their way up the ‘activity chain’. Meant to include everyone, this program helps people progress in terms of consistent participation in sports and fitness […] We hope to encourage everyone to try walking or running the ‘Step Together’ challenges —irrespective of how active they currently are.”
