11/11/2026
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11/11/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, Nov 11: Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tareq AlJalahma, praised the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon as a successful model of sustained partnership between the public and private sector, describing it as a leading community initiative that reaches people across society and promotes sport as a way of life.
The Minister was speaking at the press conference for the 12th edition of the marathon, scheduled for November 28, 2026. The conference brought together representatives of Gulf Bank, event organizer Suffix, and the marathon’s sponsors, including Al Rawdatain, Intersport, Ali Abdulwahab Al Mutawa Commercial Co., Snoonu, Al Mulla Exchange, and Jazeera Airways, the marathon’s official airline partner. Gulf Bank and Suffix recognized the sponsors for their support.
Promoting sport as a way of life
Dr. AlJalahma said the marathon had been considered for inclusion in the Kuwait Youth and Sports Season from the initiative’s earliest planning meetings, reflecting its sporting and social significance and its broad participation, which brings together world champions and people from across the community.
He emphasized that the marathon’s value extends beyond competition and race distances. Its organizers have developed it into a comprehensive family event that encourages participation and strengthens the culture of sport and physical activity in Kuwait.
Expressing pride in the marathon’s achievements over 12 years, the Minister said its continuity and development demonstrate the quality of its organization and the services offered to participants, helping establish it as one of Kuwait’s leading sporting and community events.
He commended Gulf Bank and Suffix for their sustained efforts and commitment to improving the event each year, adding that initiatives of this kind demonstrate how cooperation across sectors can deliver lasting sporting and community programs that advance the objectives of the Kuwait Youth and Sports Season.
Investing in community well-being
Faisal AlAdsani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Bank, said the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon has become a landmark in Kuwait’s sporting and community calendar and an annual occasion that embodies partnership and social responsibility.
“Our continued support for this event reflects our conviction that the role of national institutions extends beyond delivering products and services. It includes contributing to community development, supporting national priorities, and advancing community sustainability,” he said.
“The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon puts this commitment into practice. It is a community platform that brings people together, encourages healthier lifestyles, and reinforces the importance of sport in everyday life.”
AlAdsani noted that participation has grown from approximately 400 runners in the inaugural edition to more than 10,000 in the most recent event. Today, the marathon brings together athletes from Kuwait and abroad, alongside citizens and residents from all segments of society.
He added that its impact extends beyond health and sport to support the national economy and stimulate sectors associated with major sporting events, while strengthening Kuwait’s presence on the regional and international sporting calendar.
“We are proud that the marathon demonstrates what effective partnership between the public and private sectors can achieve. Advancing national development is a shared responsibility. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of State for Youth and Sports Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, whose support has been instrumental to the event’s continued success. We also recognize the valuable contributions of the Ministry of Health, Kuwait Municipality, and the other authorities and organizations that support the marathon each year.”
AlAdsani concluded by thanking Dr. AlJalahma for his attendance and support, as well as Suffix, the sponsors, volunteers, media, and participants, whose contributions have helped establish the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon as Kuwait’s largest and only internationally accredited marathon.
International participation and environmental sustainability
Ahmed AlHazami, Chief Executive Officer of Suffix, said the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is accredited by three international organizations, enabling runners from Kuwait and abroad to use their recorded times to qualify for major international marathons.
He noted that previous editions have attracted more than 12,000 participants from outside Kuwait, with cumulative participation exceeding 75,000 runners from approximately 80 countries. Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is the largest local sporting event held in the heart of Kuwait City, passing by several iconic landmarks. It is the only marathon in Kuwait to be recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) with a Road Race Label and is listed among the international races in the Association of International Marathons (AIMS). Additionally, participants in the Gulf Bank Marathon can earn points toward qualifying for the World Championship for age groups over 40 (AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings).
AlHazmi also highlighted the commitment of Suffix and Gulf Bank to environmental sustainability. More than 80% of the materials used at the event are reusable, all marathon t-shirts are made from recycled materials, and surplus medals are melted down for reuse.
Strengthening Kuwait’s sports tourism offering
He said the marathon attracts a growing number of athletes and visitors each year, extending its contribution beyond sport to help position Kuwait as a distinctive tourism destination in the Gulf.
