Safwa Runners: 50 athletes have been fighting obesity through running for 25 years
In a display of unwavering determination and resilience, the Safwa Runners, a group of 50 athletes from the city of Safwa in the Eastern Province, continue their daily running routine, a tradition they have maintained for 25 years. These champions cover distances of up to 20 kilometers daily, aiming to combat obesity and promote a culture of walking and running to enhance physical and mental well-being. They wear a uniform for each run, lending a professional and organized air to their activities.
The development of sports awareness in the Kingdom and quality of life initiatives
This community initiative comes at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a historic transformation towards promoting public health and spreading a culture of sports participation among all segments of society. Historically, individual and group sports initiatives in Saudi cities served as the initial foundation that paved the way for today's major national programs, such as the Quality of Life Program, one of the most important programs of Saudi Vision 2030. This program directly aims to increase the percentage of people who exercise regularly, a goal this long-established team has been embodying on the ground for a quarter of a century, making them pioneers in this field even before community sports became a widespread trend strongly supported by state institutions.
The impact of the "Safwa Enemies" on the local and regional levels
The positive impact of the Safwa Runners far beyond simply improving the physical fitness of its members; it leaves a clear mark both locally and regionally. Locally, the team has become an inspiring role model for the people of the Eastern Province, encouraging many to abandon unhealthy habits and adopt an active lifestyle. Regionally, the team's participation in national and Gulf sporting events sends a powerful message about the importance of sustainability in combating chronic diseases, especially obesity, a global health challenge. The unwavering commitment of members aged 18 to 70 to physical activity five days a week proves that positive change is possible at any age.
Meticulous organization and a comprehensive health vision
Team leader Captain Hussein Al-Marhoon, who boasts a distinguished 42-year athletic career, explained that their primary goal is to promote a culture of running within the community and effectively combat the scourge of obesity. Al-Marhoon noted that their consistent commitment to sports has allowed members in their sixties and seventies to maintain the vitality and energy of youth, emphasizing that age is merely a number in the face of strong willpower. He also pointed out that the team is highly flexible, adapting their schedules during Ramadan to run an hour and a half before Iftar (the breaking of the fast) to accommodate those fasting, with the option of running two hours after Iftar, in accordance with medical recommendations.
For his part, team member Ali Al-Awami stated that the group operates under strict organization; the leader sets the morning departure time and daily motto, with strict adherence to the uniform and predetermined distances. He emphasized that the team's goals extend beyond mere daily practice to establishing a comprehensive healthy lifestyle through extensive participation both locally and regionally.
In a poignant description of the importance of this practice, member Hassan Al-Dawood likened walking and running to a "mobile pharmacy" that bestows happiness and well-being upon its practitioners, urging everyone to overcome fatigue by remaining active. In a related vein, member Barir Mohammed emphasized the close link between sports and physical and mental health, extending an open invitation to all members of society to embrace this positive culture that ensures a longer and healthier life.
