Basra to host first international half marathon with global participation

Race to feature runners from 44 countries, $100,000 in prizes, and route through key city landmarks

BASRA, Iraq (MNTV) – Southern Iraq’s Basra Governorate is preparing to host its first-ever international half marathon this Friday, with more than 143 international athletes and hundreds of local runners set to participate in a landmark sporting and cultural event.

According to Basra’s deputy governor Zaid Al-Amara, the race will serve as a showcase for the city’s recent development and urban revival. 

The route will stretch over 21 kilometers, starting at the Basra Sports City and concluding along the Shatt Al-Arab Corniche, passing through key areas of urban renewal.

“The marathon will represent a cultural and urban showcase for Basra,” Al-Amara said. 

“It will highlight the city’s transformation through vital development projects and attract growing public interest, with registration still ongoing.”

The event has garnered official recognition from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which has included the Basra Half Marathon in its annual international classification calendar. 

A team of international surveyors is expected to arrive shortly to verify the course length in line with global standards.

Muhannad Al-Saad, the governor’s assistant for sports affairs, said that the event will feature runners from 44 countries across four continents—Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.

“The organizing committee has allocated cash prizes totaling $100,000 for the top ten winners,” Al-Saad said. 

“This race not only promotes Basra as a regional sports hub but also marks a significant step in strengthening the city’s tourism and cultural profile.”

Al-Saad added that the race will include 25 fully equipped rest stops to ensure the comfort of participants and maintain the smooth running of the event, which he described as a milestone in Basra’s sporting history.