A brainchild of philanthropist and prominent businessman Abdul Aziz Alturki, the event attracted a large number of young Saudis from all over the Kingdom.

They came from as far as Najran and Baha. Filipinos, Indians, Pakistanis, Americans and Britons all played an active part.

"It was an extraordinary feeling," said former Saudi Aramco executive Bidah Mejdal Al-Gahtani, who took part in the 70 plus category and bagged second prize.

"The weather was excellent. Though the sun shone brightly, there was a cool breeze blowing across the vast Arabian Sea, making the entire experience exhilarating and mind-blowing."

Children below the age of 15 were seen cracking jokes and having fun while sprinting along the well-developed and picturesque Alkhobar beach.

"It was a fun time," said Nasser Ibrahim Al-Hajri, a tenth grader.

"We don't get to see such events in the Kingdom. My parents brought me from Riyadh to take part in this marathon. I knew I wouldn't win but then winning was not why I was taking part in it. I wanted to experience the fun. And I did. I made many friends as well."

Thursday's weather conditions were in sharp contrast to those on Wednesday. "It was humid and unbearable yesterday. There was no breeze and we were praying for good weather today and Alhamdullilah our prayers were answered," said one of the organizers.

The event was open to all nationalities. A fee of SR50 was all that was needed to become the organization's member and take part in the charity run. Included in the membership fee was a white T-shirt that every participant had to wear. The proceeds from the event will support charitable organizations in the region.

According to the organizers, the response was overwhelming. "We will have the complete statistics in the next three or four days. All the details are yet to be compiled. We will then have the complete picture as to how many people took part in each category," said Al-Gahtani.

The charity run was divided into six categories, from 15 and below, to 70 and above

As the sun went down, winners in the different categories received prizes and trophies from two prominent guests of honor ­— Khaled Al-Sultan, rector of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and Alkhobar Gov. Sulaiman Al-Thunayan.