Gulf Bank officials gather for a group photo with Acting CEO Sami Mahfouz at the center.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 29: In a remarkable display of energy, passion, and community spirit, the 11th edition of the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon commenced yesterday morning in Kuwait City. The event, a cornerstone on Kuwait’s annual sports calendar, has cemented its position as the first and only internationally accredited marathon in Kuwait, welcoming more than 10,000 runners from across the world.

The morning began with a dynamic countdown at 7:30 a.m., after which thousands of runners surged through the start line at Souq Sharq. Clear weather and a celebratory atmosphere created the perfect stage for both seasoned athletes and first-time participants, all determined to complete their chosen challenge.

The race route, renowned for its scenic and cultural richness, took runners on a visually striking journey through Kuwait’s most iconic landmarks: Kuwait Towers, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC), the Grand Mosque, Souq Al-Mubarakiya, and Gulf Bank’s heritage-listed headquarters- one of the few buildings in Kuwait still operating in its original intended purpose.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets, cheering runners on and contributing to a sense of national unity and collective achievement.

A National Event Rooted in Heritage, Community, and Tourism

Commenting on this year’s milestone edition, Gulf Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer Najla Aleisa said:

“The record participation in this year’s marathon demonstrates how deeply the event has become embedded in the social fabric of our country. We are proud to see runners of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels come together to celebrate health, wellness, and community spirit.”

She added that the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon now stands as a key pillar in Kuwait’s growing sports tourism landscape. Through its listing on the Visit Kuwait platform, the marathon plays an important role in attracting international visitors and showcasing Kuwait as a dynamic and welcoming destination.

“The marathon is part of a broader movement to position Kuwait on the global tourism map. Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism segments worldwide, and we are committed to contributing to this momentum by delivering an exceptional event that reflects the richness of Kuwaiti culture and hospitality.”

Aleisa emphasized that the marathon also carries a strong social mission, particularly in promoting healthier lifestyles. With rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, encouraging physical activity has never been more critical.

“This event is not just about running; it is about inspiring long-term behavioral change. Our goal is to help individuals and families embrace healthier habits that contribute to overall societal well-being.”

She also highlighted the Gulf Bank’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, community engagement, and sustainable development- key pillars of Gulf Bank’s social responsibility strategy.

“The marathon provides a unique platform to support youth-led initiatives, local SMEs, and talented Kuwaiti athletes. We are proud to enable them to shine and represent Kuwait internationally.”

Aleisa concluded by expressing heartfelt appreciation to government stakeholders, particularly the Ministries of Interior, Health, and Youth, for their continued support and partnership.

Economic Impact and Growing Regional Reach

From the organizing partner’s perspective, Ahmed Al-Majed, Chief Operating Officer of Suffix Events, expressed pride in the marathon’s continued evolution and positive economic footprint.

“Our partnership with Gulf Bank has transformed the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon into one of the region’s most admired sporting events. Since the inaugural edition, we have welcomed more than 75,000 participants and driven an annual economic impact of over KD 2 million—benefiting hospitality, retail, transportation, and other sectors.”

Al-Majed highlighted the role of the marathon in strengthening volunteerism in Kuwait. More than 9,000 volunteers have contributed over the years, making the event one of the country’s largest volunteer-driven initiatives.

He added that the GCC presence continues to grow, particularly from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia—two of the most represented nationalities after Kuwait. This year, nearly 5,000 non-Kuwaiti residents and more than 800 international runners flew into Kuwait solely to participate in the marathon.

“We coordinate closely with ministries and emergency teams to ensure a world-class experience. Medical teams deploy across the route, hydration stations support runners every few kilometers, and a highly trained logistics team ensures seamless race operations.”

Fact Box 1: The First and Only Globally Accredited Marathon in Kuwait

The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is officially recognized by:

World Athletics Road Race Label

Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS)

Through this accreditation, runners can earn points toward the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings, allowing athletes aged 40+ to qualify for world championship events.

This accreditation positions Kuwait on the global map as a competitive and credible running destination- an achievement that supports both national sports development and tourism strategy.

Fact Box 2: Marathon Statistics

Since Launch

75,000+ total participants

150 nationalities

9,000 volunteers

KD 2 million annual economic benefit

2025 Edition – 11th Year

More than 10,000 runners

100 international nationalities represented

800 runners traveled from abroad

Almost 5,000 non-Kuwaiti residents participated

Ages ranged from 10 to 85 years

41% female, 59% male participation

USD 50,000 total prize purse

Fact Box 3: Four Days of Community Celebration

For four consecutive days, Souq Sharq was transformed into a lively athlete village filled with marathon kit distribution, live workouts, entertainment zones, and family-friendly activities, creating excitement in the days leading up to race day.

Fact Box 4: “Bu Sarrou’” Takes the Stage

This year, Gulf Bank and Suffix unveiled the official marathon mascot “Bu Sarrou’”—a culturally inspired character designed to embody strength, excitement, and determination. Children also enjoyed engaging with Gulf Bank’s neo mascot, helping foster financial awareness and responsibility among younger visitors.

Fact Box 5: Sawaed Al-Khaleej Volunteers

More than 500 dedicated volunteers, including members of Gulf Bank’s Sawaed Al-Khaleej volunteer team, played a crucial role in ensuring the marathon’s success, strengthening Gulf Bank’s tradition of community contribution and youth involvement.

Fact Box 6: Showcasing Kuwaiti Talent and Heritage

In celebration of Kuwaiti creativity, the marathon featured local folkloric performances and uniquely designed medals created by Kuwaiti artists, highlighting the nation’s cultural heritage.

The “Qalaleef” brought traditional rhythms to life, reviving the sounds historically associated with Kuwait’s shipbuilding industry and adding an authentic cultural layer to the marathon atmosphere.

Fact Box 7: “Let’s Be Aware” Financial Literacy Campaign

As part of Gulf Bank’s commitment to strengthening financial inclusion and awareness, the bank hosted the Central Bank of Kuwait’s “Let’s Be Aware” campaign at its booth, educating the public about financial safety, fraud prevention, and sound banking practices.

Fact Box 8: Gulf Bank Challenge Team

Ahead of the marathon, Gulf Bank launched the second edition of the Gulf Bank Challenge, training 10 participants to help them achieve personal goals. The participants expressed gratitude to Gulf Bank, event sponsors, and coach Mohammed Al-Hathal for guiding them toward new milestones.

Fact Box 9: Largest Corporate Participation

Gulf Bank was recognized as the largest participating corporation, with 615 employees proudly taking part in this year’s marathon- a record and a testament to the bank’s strong employee engagement culture.

Fact Box 10: Fully Sold Out — A National Milestone

For the first time since its inception, the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon sold out days before the event, reflecting a shifting national mindset toward health, wellness, and sports participation. This milestone signifies growing public enthusiasm for large-scale community events that promote healthier lifestyles.