Early registration now open for 11th Gulf Bank 642 Marathon
KUWAIT: In line with its continued support for community sustainability initiatives, Gulf Bank has officially announced the opening of early registration for the 11th edition of the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon – Kuwait's only internationally accredited marathon. The much-anticipated event is set to take place on November 29, 2025.
Reaffirming its yearly commitment, Gulf Bank invites athletes, beginners, and individuals from all segments of society – locally and internationally – to take part in this major sporting event, now recognized as one of Kuwait's most anticipated athletic gatherings. Registration is open through the official website:www.gulfbank642marathon.com.
The 10th edition of the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon saw a record-breaking turnout, with over 10,000 participants across different race categories. Kuwaitis made up the largest group, with 5,293 runners, followed by participants from India, the Philippines, Egypt and Lebanon. Celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity, the marathon saw a strong female turnout, with women making up 44 percent of all participants, while men accounted for 56 percent. Seniors aged 65 and above represented 0.5 percent of runners, and those between 55 and 64 made up 3 percent.
Young adults formed the majority, with 44.4 percent of participants aged between 21 and 34, and 27.9 percent between 35 and 44. Runners under the age of 21 made up 12.6 percent of the total turnout.
Najla Aleisa receives a memento from Ahmed Al-Majed, Chief Operating Officer at Safex.
Gulf Bank's continued sponsorship of the marathon reflects its commitment to supporting national efforts to promote a culture of fitness and wellness as a foundation of sustainable development. The Bank emphasizes the importance of investing in human capital and enhancing individual capabilities to create a healthier society. The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is considered one of the region's leading initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles and making physical activity a regular part of daily life, especially in light of the increasing rates of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Gulf Bank leverages this event to promote youth and national initiatives by collaborating with the organizing team and enabling the participation of small and medium enterprises. It also serves as a platform to support local athletes and professional Kuwaiti runners, helping them gain exposure and represent Kuwait in marathons around the world.
The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is the largest local sporting event held in the heart of Kuwait City, with runners passing several iconic landmarks such as the Kuwait Towers, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, the Grand Mosque, Souq Al-Mubarakiya, and Gulf Bank's Head Office, among others. Winners in each category will receive medals and valuable prizes.
The marathon features four race categories suitable for all fitness levels: a 5-kilometer walk or run for participants aged 11 and older; a 10-kilometer run for those aged 16 and above; and both the 21-kilometer half marathon and the full 42-kilometer marathon, open to participants aged 18 and above. With a range of distances and participation options, the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon continues to encourage individuals and families to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
33 minutes ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait wins two gold, one bronze at Asian Shooting Championship
Kuwait wins two gold, one bronze at Asian Shooting Championship KUWAIT: The Kuwait Shooting Sports Club (KSSC) announced on Thursday that the Kuwaiti team participating in the Asian Shooting Championship won three medals, two gold and one bronze, in Linfen, China. Head of the Kuwaiti delegation Daij Al-Otaibi stated said that shooter Mansour Al-Rashidi won first place and the gold medal in the individual skeet shooting competition, while shooter Abdulaziz Al-Saad won third place and the bronze in the same event. He added that the Kuwaiti team, consisting of shooters Mansour Al-Rashidi, Abdulaziz Al-Saad, and Abdulaziz Al-Faihan won the gold medal in the team skeet competition, ahead of the Chinese team, which took silver, and the Qatari team, who took the bronze. Al-Otaibi praised the remarkable performance of the Kuwaiti team, expressing his hope of winning more medals in upcoming championships for Kuwaiti shooting sports. - KUNA
Kuwait Times
13 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Makin Club organizes ‘Renewed Spirit' trip for cancer survivors
KUWAIT: In a humanitarian initiative aimed at boosting self-confidence and offering psychological and social support to cancer patients, the Makin Club, affiliated with the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (CAN), organized a recreational trip to the Al-Khairan area on Monday, June 2, 2025, under the theme 'Renewed Spirit.' In her remarks, Dr Eman Al-Shammari, head of the Makin Club Committee, emphasized that the club's strategy focuses on empowering cancer survivors through recreational and social activities that uplift morale and strengthen their sense of belonging and self-worth. She noted that in 2020, Kuwait recorded 2,775 new cancer cases, of which approximately 1,665 patients had high survival rates. 'These individuals, known as survivors, are capable of playing a vital role in supporting newly diagnosed patients at the beginning of their treatment journey,' she said, highlighting that psychological support remains a cornerstone of recovery. As part of the program, Dr Nadia Al-Mahmoud led a lively Q&A session in a warm atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and strengthened social bonds. The event concluded with the distribution of gifts to recovering women - an appreciative and symbolic gesture that lifted spirits and brought joy to all participants. Psychologist Nadia Al-Obaidi also took part in the event, delivering a heartfelt speech on the importance of mental health in the recovery journey. She stressed the need to create a safe and supportive environment that allows recovering patients to express themselves freely and overcome the emotional challenges that may follow treatment. Aisha Al-Qattan, a Makin Club member, expressed pride in being part of this meaningful initiative. 'We saw smiles light up the faces of survivors and felt a powerful energy of hope throughout the day. These trips go beyond entertainment - they are acts of love, support, and a belief in every woman's strength to rise above the odds,' she said. Participants warmly welcomed the initiative, sharing their appreciation for the positive energy, joy, and renewed sense of inclusion it brought into their lives. The Makin Club extended special thanks to Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah for sponsoring the club's launch, and to Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi for his continued support of the National Cancer Control Campaign's activities. This event is part of a series of initiatives organized by the Makin Club, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to provide psychological and social support to cancer patients and to improve their quality of life during and after treatment. The club also called on recovering individuals to reach out, benefit from its programs, and consider joining efforts to support new patients - promoting the spirit of solidarity that is deeply rooted in Kuwaiti society.
Kuwait Times
21 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Rare views of Al-Hala Island documented by Kuwaiti photographer
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti environmentalist and photographer Dr Abdullah Al-Zaidan has successfully observed and documented the rare natural phenomenon of Al-Hala Island, located in the southern part of Kuwaiti waters, specifically in the Al-Zour area. The island is a stunning and unusual natural feature. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday, Al-Zaidan explained that Al-Hala is a temporary sandbar that emerges during low tide and completely disappears during high tide. Its unique nature makes it a favored destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. He added that the island's transformation is a key attraction, making it a prime spot for environmental marine tourism. Visitors are drawn to this nontraditional experience amid the clear waters of the Gulf, where they can engage with untouched nature far from pollution and urban development. Al-Hala Island Fish swim near the coral reefs in the waters surrounding Al-Hala Island. An endangered green turtle swims underwater at the island. Al-Zaidan emphasized that visiting Al-Hala Island helps raise environmental awareness and promotes sustainable tourism, which balances enjoyment with the preservation of natural ecosystems. Regarding the surrounding area, he noted that the Al-Zour coastline is ecologically significant due to minimal human activity and construction, making it a vital habitat. It hosts endangered green turtles, which come to nest and lay eggs during specific seasons, and it is home to vibrant coral reefs essential to marine biodiversity. The area also serves as a resting site for migratory and resident seabirds, which use the island as a natural stopover along the coast. Dr Al-Zaidan concluded by stressing the importance of protecting these fragile marine areas and encouraging mindful visits to help preserve marine life and ensure ecological balance for future generations. — KUNA
