AlUla set to welcome 200 of the world’s best endurance riders for Custodian of Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2023
Fourth edition of equestrian event includes more than 40 nationalities of riders competing
The international competition CE12 provides important developmental pathway for local population
Route will showcase the natural beauty and ancient history of the destination
Range of tickets now available for race day, March 4
AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – February 12, 2023: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF) and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), will welcome 200 of the world’s best endurance riders for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2023, the fourth edition of the prestigious 120km endurance race set to take place around the ancient desert city on March 4th 2023.
The route for the 2023 edition, one of the marquee sporting events on the AlUla calendar, will showcase the destination’s stunning landscapes, natural beauty, and ancient history. Endurance riders from over 40 countries have signed up to participate, highlighting the truly global nature of the event.
2022 race winner Federico Ferber of Uruguay will return to defend his crown, while compatriot Andres Rivero will hope to go one better after finishing runner-up last year. Frenchwoman Margot Chazel, who finished third, will lead a strong representation of female riders alongside compatriot Camille Coulomb in a field that has attracted the world’s best.
Phillip Jones, RCU Chief Tourism Officer, said: “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is one of the most established events on the AlUla calendar, and we believe AlUla provides the perfect setting for such a world-class field and prestigious event. Equestrian has a long and storied tradition in the region, and this event provides an integral connection from that heritage to the modern day.”
The event also serves as an essential pathway for the development and participation of the local community.
Four locally based riders will represent AlUla in the race, proudly wearing their official AlUla uniforms and bridles, while over 40 locals will be engaged in stewarding and vet assistance roles after being shortlisted from a group of around 80 youths who had undergone a stringent training program in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation ahead of the event.
Underscoring the event’s commitment to gender equality, 30% of the participants in the training program were female.
“At AlUla we have wonderful facilities, and the history and events such as this combine to show that we are a hub of equestrian excellence. The event enables us to provide a pathway to participation both for local endurance riders and individuals from the area who are looking to pursue a career or become involved in equestrian support,” added Jones. “We look forward to welcoming a world-class field that includes some of the best endurance competitors from the region and worldwide.”
The international competition CE12 will be held over the weekend of March 3-4 at a purpose-built desert arena set amongst the extraordinary landscapes of the Equestrian Village, in close proximity to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra.
Entertainment outside the competition at the specially-made arena will keep ticket buyers engaged throughout the day.
The Equestrian Village will be closed to the general public on day one, with riders and horses undergoing stringent inspection and testing protocols. A range of tickets will be available on day two with a choice of Lounge (150SAR) and VIP Lounge tickets (400SAR), including F&B.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2023 is one of the marquee sporting events that form the AlUla Moments calendar, including the Saudi Tour Cycling race (30 January – 3 February) and AlUla Trail Race (23-24 February).
