Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the College of Public Health and Health Informatics, participated with the General Directorate of Health Affairs in Makkah in the Health Marathon on Saturday, 27 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1440 A.H., corresponding to 2 February, 2019 A.C. The Health Marathon was organized under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Assistant Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region for Developmental Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mustafa bin Jamil Baljun, attended the event on behalf of His Royal Highness. The marathon was also attended by the General Director of Health Affairs in Makkah, His Excellency Dr. Wa'il bin Hamzah Matir.

There were 1,225 participants at the marathon, which included activities such as running and cycle races for different age groups. The UQU College of Public Health and Health Informatics participated in this event by establishing four awareness and educational corners, as follows:

• Corner about the dangers of obesity and the importance of sports for maintaining health.
• Corner about the dangers of high blood pressure.
• Corner about diabetes and behavioral modification for a healthy lifestyle.
• Corner for diabetes screening, blood pressure testing, and measurement of obesity for participants and attendees.

Several diagnoses were made during this event, with the active participation of academic staff from the College of Public Health and Health Informatics specializing in this field, and a number of volunteering students from the college.

His Excellency the Dean of the UQU College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Dr. Ahmad bin Omar Babalghaith, pointed out the importance of the university's participation in the event, which was supported by His Excellency the UQU President, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail. He also indicated that such events are held with the aim of raising the awareness of individuals and society, to reduce the spread of several diseases, and to fulfill Saudi Vision 2030.

At the end of the event, financial and in-kind prizes were distributed to the winners of the race. In addition, Umm Al-Qura University, represented by the College of Public Health and Health Informatics, and all the participating entitles received memorial shields for their outstanding efforts that led to the success of this event.