Ashwaq Alsaieri makes history as first Saudi and GCC woman to complete all seven world marathon majors

Ashwaq Alsaieri has etched her name into sporting history, becoming the first woman from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to complete all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, a feat achieved by only a small, elite group of runners worldwide.

By crossing the finish lines of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, Sydney, and New York, Alsaieri has not only completed one of the most demanding endurance challenges in global athletics but has also redefined what representation and leadership look like for Arab women on the international sports stage.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors are considered the pinnacle of long-distance road racing, testing athletes across continents, climates, and cultures. Completing all seven races requires years of discipline, physical resilience, mental strength, and unwavering commitment, qualities Alsaieri embodies with distinction.

Her achievement carries significance far beyond sport. In a region where women’s participation in endurance athletics is still emerging, Alsaieri’s journey sends a powerful message: Arab women do not merely participate on the world stage; they lead.

Ashwaq Alsaieri’s accomplishment stands as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the Middle East, proving that perseverance can break barriers and that ambition knows no geographic or cultural limits. Her success reflects a broader shift in the region, where women are increasingly visible, competitive, and celebrated in global arenas.

As she joins the ranks of the world’s most accomplished marathon runners, Alsaieri’s legacy extends beyond medals and finish lines; it is a story of representation, courage, and possibility.