The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is one of the most important sporting events in Kuwait and the only with a global ranking

Dari Al-Rasheed Al-Bader:

• The marathon is an invitation to change our approach to a healthier lifestyle, making exercise and walking a daily habit and an essential part of everyday life.
• The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is a unique initiative combating the increasing rates of diabetes, obesity and heart disease that have become a threat to society.

Ahmed Almajed:

• We are proud to renew our partnership with Gulf Bank in organizing this outstanding social sporting event.
• The marathon turnout is increasing annually — prior to the pandemic, the marathon attracted over 10,000 thousand participants, compared to only 400 in its first edition.
• The marathon also witnessed remarkable international participation rates in its 2019 edition, with 2,000 participants from around the world and about 500 annual volunteers.

In keeping with its role in supporting social and community sustainability initiatives, Gulf Bank is renewing its annual invitation to athletes and sports novices from all segments of society to join the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, set to take place on November 26, 2022. The marathon is one of the most important sporting and social events in Kuwait and the only local marathon of its kind with a global ranking.

The announcement was made during the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon launch ceremony which was held yesterday evening in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al-Sabah, President of Kuwait Olympic Committee, Gulf Bank representatives (as Gulf Bank is the main sponsor of the event), various sponsors, and Suffix, the local sports events and management company.

Gulf Bank’s 642 Marathon consists of four categories open to runners of all abilities, including: the 5K Family Fun Walk/Run, the 10K Souq Run, the 21K Half Marathon, and Kuwait’s only 42K Full Marathon. The 5K is open to runners aged 11 and above, the 10K to runners aged 16 and above, and the 21K to runners aged 18 and above.

The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is the biggest sports event that takes place at the heart of Kuwait City, taking runners through beautiful landmarks in Kuwait. Notably, the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is the only marathon in Kuwait that has the bronze AbbottWMM accreditation from the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings, a global age group marathon ranking system.

A Unique Initiative

In his speech, the General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Gulf Bank, Dari Al-Rasheed Al-Bader, noted that the Gulf Bank Marathon is more than a one-day race — rather, the marathon is an invitation to change our approach to a healthier lifestyle, making exercise and walking a daily habit and an essential part of everyday life.

Al-Bader added: “The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon is a unique initiative combating the increasing rates of diabetes, obesity and heart disease that have become a threat to society. By calling for holistic lifestyle changes and social support, the marathon is a sporting event that aims to bring together individuals and families from all parts of society. This is a role that Gulf Bank has always been keen to prioritize in all its activities.”

He added: “In light of recent public health statistics and in keeping with our role as one of the largest private sector institutions in the country, Gulf Bank is proud to be the main sponsor of the annual marathon. At Gulf Bank, we are constantly working to consolidate our sustainability program at the societal, economical, and environment levels through selected initiatives aimed at enhancing our local society.”

Marathon Participation

Ahmed Almajed, General Manager at local sports events management company, Suffix, also commented: "We are proud to continue our partnership with Gulf Bank in organizing this outstanding social sporting event. Year after year, the marathon has been a massive success, marked by an increase in demand in local and regional participation."

He added: “As we continue to raise the bar for sporting events in the region, we invite everyone to register and participate in the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon. We look forward to enjoying one of the most exciting days of the year together!”

Regarding the increase in participation and sign-ups for the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, Almajed said, “In its first edition, the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon had about 400 participants. Prior to the pandemic, the marathon attracted over 10,000 participants, with a total of 46,600 participants from the previous 7 editions of the marathon. In 2019, the marathon witnessed the participation of 2,000 international contestants. Annually, we also have around 500 volunteers that assist with the marathon.”

He continued: “As part of our efforts to highlight local talent, we were keen to entrust the design of the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon medals to a Kuwaiti artist. The marathon event is ranked among the top 100 sporting events in the world, and we are excited to share that honor with a local artist.”

For more information about the Gulf Bank 642 Marathon, and to register and participate in the race, please visit www.gulfbank642marathon.com or the Instagram account @GulfBank642.

Gulf Bank's vision is to be the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future. The Bank is constantly engaging and empowering its employees as part of an inclusive and diversified workplace in recognition of every employee’s role in delivering customer excellence and serving the community at large. With its extensive network of branches and innovative digital services, Gulf Bank is able to give its customers the choice of how and where to conduct their banking transactions, all while ensuring a simple and seamless banking experience.

Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining a robust sustainability program at the community, economic, and environmental levels through sustainability initiatives that are strategically selected to benefit both the country and the Bank. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and works with various parties to achieve it.