Najla AlEisa and Ahmed AlMajed pose for a group photo with the event sponsors.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 11: The Gulf Bank has officially announced the launch of the 11th edition of the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, scheduled to take place on November 29, with total prizes amounting to $50,000 USD. The announcement was made during a press conference held yesterday, attended by representatives from Suffix, the event’s organizing company, and several sponsoring entities.

Najla AlEisa, Chief Marketing Officer at Gulf Bank, affirmed that the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon has evolved beyond a sporting event to become a national initiative that supports Kuwait’s tourism strategy—particularly the “Visit Kuwait” platform—by promoting sports tourism and attracting hundreds of international runners to experience Kuwait’s vibrant culture and hospitality.

“Today, as we prepare to launch the 11th edition of the marathon, we reflect on a journey that began with a modest vision and grew into a source of national pride,” AlEisa said. “What started as a dream among Kuwaiti youth to create a world-class marathon has become a reality, thanks to Gulf Bank’s belief in that vision and its support for Suffix’s founding.”

The Only Globally Accredited Marathon in Kuwait

AlEisa emphasized that the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is the only marathon in Kuwait to be globally accredited, a distinction that underscores its international standards and the collaborative efforts behind its success. She noted that this year’s event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from Kuwait and abroad, including professionals and amateurs of all ages.

The marathon route showcases Kuwait’s heritage, passing through key landmarks such as the Gulf Bank headquarters, Kuwait Towers, Souq Al Mubarakiya, and the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre. AlEisa highlighted the event’s broader mission to promote public health, especially in light of rising rates of obesity and diabetes, stating:

“Every participant sends a clear message: Your health is your wealth.”

She also noted Gulf Bank’s commitment to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, supporting Kuwaiti athletic talent, and empowering small and medium enterprises by involving them in the marathon’s activities.

AlEisa extended her gratitude to Kuwait’s Ministries of Interior and Health for their continued support in organizing and securing the event, and praised the cooperation of all stakeholders in making the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon a highly anticipated annual event.

Race Categories and Economic Impact

Ahmed AlMajed, Chief Operating Officer at Suffix, announced that the marathon will begin at 7:00 AM on November 29, starting from Souq Sharq and passing through Kuwait’s most iconic sites.

The event offers four race categories:

- 5 km walk/run (ages 11+)

- 10 km run (ages 16+)

- Half marathon – 21 km (ages 18+)

- Full marathon – 42 km

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Gulf Bank in organizing this distinguished social and sporting event, which continues to achieve success year after year, with growing local and regional participation. Since its inception, the marathon has attracted around 75,000 runners from within Kuwait and abroad (representing more than 85 nationalities), contributing over two million Kuwaiti dinars to the national economy, in addition to creating about 2,000 seasonal job opportunities annually.

He pointed out that the marathon has also helped promote the culture of volunteerism in Kuwait, with around 9,000 volunteers participating without compensation over the past years to help organize the participants. The total value of prizes for this year’s winners amounts to USD 50,000.

At the conclusion of the press conference, Gulf Bank and Safex honored the sponsors who supported the marathon, who in turn expressed their gratitude to Gulf Bank for its continued support of this outstanding sporting event.”

Four Days of Activities and Open Registration

From November 26 to 29, Souq Sharq will host four days of public entertainment and activities, including the distribution of official race gear and interactive experiences for attendees.

Registration is now open

Gulf Bank has renewed its invitation to athletes, beginners, and all members of society—both within Kuwait and internationally—to participate in this landmark event.

Registration is now open at: www.gulfbank642marathon.com