Saudi Health Ministry launches the 5th edition of “Walk 30” initiative in Sports Boulevard

Every step tells a story — and in Saudi Arabia, those stories are getting louder. The Ministry of Health, arm in arm with the Sports Boulevard Foundation, has just kicked off the fifth round of its headline event: Walk 30. It's more than a stroll in the park. It's a full-blown celebration of movement, community, and good living, held this year at the buzzing Sands Sports Park with the goal of getting folks walking, talking, and thinking about their health — every single day.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles and motivating community members to engage in physical activity," said Jane McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation. And she's not just talking the talk.

How does it work?

At its core, Walk 30 is as simple as lacing up your sneakers and hitting the pavement. The idea is to encourage everyone — young and old — to walk for at least 150 minutes each week. That breaks down to just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Easy does it.

Here's what makes it tick:

• It's tied to the "Live Well" initiative, aiming to push preventive health front and center.
• Participants track their progress through the Sehhaty app, Saudi's go-to digital health companion.
• Over a million walkers have joined in, making it the Kingdom's biggest digital health challenge to date.

And yes, it's a full family affair. Walkers of all ages and fitness levels are welcome — no marathon medals needed, just a willingness to move.

Why does it matter?

In a world where chronic illness is on the rise and screens are stealing our time, Walk 30 is a gentle nudge back to basics. A brisk walk can be a quiet revolution: lowering blood pressure, lifting moods, and adding years to life.

This isn't just theory. The Ministry's broader goal under Saudi Vision 2030 is to stretch the nation's average life expectancy to 80 years. That kind of change doesn't come from pills — it comes from habits.

"This initiative reflects our vision of providing a sustainable sports environment that promotes public health and instills a culture of walking as a daily habit," McGivern added.

And the world's taking notice. The campaign has already snagged the Kotler Award for Best Health and Wellness Campaign, a big nod to its role in reshaping public health culture.

The context

This fifth edition comes at a lively moment. The Sports Boulevard Foundation recently unwrapped phase one of its namesake project — 83 kilometers of walkways, parks, and promenades designed for movement and mingling. It includes hot spots like Wadi Hanifa and the internal tracks of Princess Noura University. That's nearly half the total project already open to the public.

All of it ladders up to Saudi's Health Sector Transformation Program, which isn't just about treating illness — it's about creating the conditions for wellness.

Across four editions, Walk 30 has sparked something rare: a nationwide rhythm where health isn't a chore — it's a lifestyle leading to a healthier and happier tomorrow.

[Image from Eye of Riyadh]