After weeks of increasing anticipation amongst sports fans and equestrian enthusiasts, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup finally returns to the limelight tomorrow.
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), this year’s recording-extending fifth edition is destined to be the biggest, best, and most defining yet.
200 elite male and female riders from 50 countries will tackle one of the sport’s most physically challenging and visually spectacular courses – with regional royalties, VIPs, and international audiences in attendance live from AlUla’s AlFursan Equestrian Village.
Besides a 120km CEI 2* competition featuring a world-class field, the largest prize pot ever offered for an endurance event – SAR 15 million – is also on offer with five local riders competing.
Less than 24 hours out from the Middle East’s premier endurance event, the stage is set for an incredible occasion following the official press conference on Friday morning.
With local and international media in attendance, the 2024 Endurance Cup was hailed as a “cause for celebration” as attendees were promised immense competition, epic entertainment, and a championship atmosphere.
Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU, said: “The return of this superb contest to AlUla is a cause for much celebration. The world’s best competing for the prestige of being crowned winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup – in the new winter home for world-class equestrian events – is very exciting. We can’t wait for the sporting spectacle that follows over the coming days.I’d like to wish the riders hailing from AlUla – as well as every athlete competing in the coming days – the very best of luck.”
Across the flagship event; the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup will take place on Saturday (Febrauary 10) – with another 160km CEI 3* rating competition taking place on Sunday (February 11). A prelude to the 2026 Endurance World Championships in AlUla, 67 riders are competing in 160km CEI 3* event – including one from AlUla – with a further SAR 5 million on offer.
