The running marathon, organized by the Vice Deanship of Student Affairs for Activities and Student Training and the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, succeeded to attract the participation of students and employees of Umm Al-Qura University, in both the male and female sections. This marathon was held as part of the initiatives that the two sides, the vice deanship and the institute, have decided to jointly undertake, in cooperation with the relevant sectors, with the aim of raising the number of participants in all kinds of sports, and educating the community university about its role in promoting physical health and recreational activities. This is due to the effective impact sports have on increasing academic achievement and improving concentration.

The Vice Dean of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Educational Affairs, Dr. Wajdi Qattan, stressed the importance of the program in reminding the members of society of the culture of outdoor sports. It played an interactive role in monitoring the level of physical fitness of the 50 marathon contestants,10 ten of whom were children. He also placed strong emphasis on the role of the University Medical Center in ensuring safety and well-being by providing ambulance services and creating a sportive environment for the participants.

Dr. Wajdi regarded the end of the race as the true start of the sport program, which is part of the "Sports for All Challenge" initiative carried out under the General Sports Authority, with the participation of all Saudi universities. Based on this, the committee has launched an initiative to expand awareness beyond the walls of the university. This initiative relies on the contribution of students who document the external activities they engage in with their peers, providing the committee with pictures to win prizes for transferring experience.

On her part, the Vice Dean for Student Activities and Training, Dr. Nahlaa Hariri, explained that the contest of "By Practicing Sport, Let Us Make a Better Community" is an initiative by the running team of Makkah. The aim of this initiative is to support the programs and development goals adopted by the deanship for improving recreational and sportive activities through the organization of various events. The contest started on Sunday at the female campus in Al-Zahir, with the participation of nearly 40 students. On Monday evening, the contest was launched in the male section in Al-Abdiyyah. Moreover, she stressed the effectiveness of these sport events in refining students' talents and crystallizing the spirit of leadership and cooperation in them by fostering competition between team members.

In conclusion, Dr. Nahlaa Hariri added, "The Sport Activities Department is looking forward to opening new horizons for operating fitness programs at the university and improving healthy-eating patterns, through its partnerships with various governmental and private agencies. This is in order to enhance the abilities of the university students by training them and allowing them to undergo many experiences and practise many skills that enable them to lead sport programs, regardless of their various specializations."