GCC Running Gear Market Overview: Distribution Channels, Brand Expansion & Consumer Trends

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, GCC running gear market size reached USD 940 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 1,570 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.56% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of GCC Running Gear Market

• AI-Powered Performance Coaching: Smart running apps like Strava's Runna use AI to deliver real-time personalized training plans, dynamically adjusting based on a runner's pace, recovery data, and performance goals.
• Biomechanics and Injury Prevention: AI-enabled footwear with embedded sensors analyzes stride patterns and gait in real time, reducing injury risk and improving long-term runner performance across the GCC.

How Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing GCC Running Gear Industry

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has become one of the most powerful forces reshaping the GCC running gear market. Under the Quality of Life Programme, the government set an ambitious target of increasing regular sports participation from just 13% to 48% of the population — a goal that has already been achieved as of 2022. The Saudi Sports for All Federation's Riyadh Marathon exemplifies this momentum, growing from 10,000 participants when first hosted in 2022 to over 40,000 runners in 2025, with more than 37% being women — a remarkable shift that is directly expanding the consumer base for running footwear, apparel, and fitness trackers.

GCC Running Gear Market Trends & Drivers:

The surge in organized running events across the GCC is one of the clearest demand signals the market has seen in years. With over 40,000 participants joining the 2025 Riyadh Marathon — up from just 10,000 in 2022 — and Dubai hosting a packed calendar of races through RaceME Events, participation in road running has become mainstream. This shift is directly driving purchases of running footwear, which accounts for the largest product share globally at around 50% of total revenues, along with performance apparel and fitness accessories. Governments throughout the region have invested heavily in running infrastructure, fitness parks, and community sports programs that make it easier for everyday residents to take up running, creating a growing base of first-time and repeat buyers.

Smart technology is rapidly moving from a niche luxury to a mainstream expectation among GCC runners. The GCC AI-powered wearable devices market was valued at USD 5 billion in 2024, underpinned by Saudi Arabia and the UAE's tech-savvy, high-income populations. Fitness trackers dominate usage — running tracking accounted for a 30% share of the global fitness tracker market by application in 2025 — and brands such as Apple, Garmin, and Samsung are aggressively targeting the region with connected wearables that monitor heart rate, GPS routes, sleep recovery, and training loads. The ASICS and Garmin partnership launched in May 2025 to integrate performance tracking across footwear and wearable ecosystems is a strong indicator of where the category is headed, with hardware increasingly functioning as part of a broader digital training platform rather than a standalone product.

Rising female participation and a digitally connected young demographic are opening new product and channel opportunities for running gear brands in the GCC. With 71% of Saudi Arabia's population under the age of 35 and women now making up over 37% of Riyadh Marathon participants, the customer profile for running gear is diversifying fast. Online retail captured roughly 38% of global running gear sales in 2024 and continues to grow, driven by the convenience and selection that e-commerce offers in markets where brand retail infrastructure is still expanding. Brands like Nike — which introduced a streamlined road running footwear lineup in late 2024 — and Adidas, which launched its Re-Terra sustainable collection in 2025, are adapting their regional strategies to align with younger, female, and sustainability-conscious consumers, accelerating premiumization and repeat purchases across the GCC.

GCC Running Gear Market Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Product Insights:

• Running Footwear
• Running Apparel
• Running Accessories
• Fitness Trackers

Gender Insights:

• Male
• Female
• Unisex

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Specialty and Sports Shops
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Department and Discount Stores
• Online
• Others

Country Insights:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Bahrain

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in GCC Running Gear Market

• February 2025: The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) hosted the 2025 Riyadh Marathon with over 40,000 participants from 125+ countries, making it the largest edition to date. ASICS served as a strategic partner, cementing global brand engagement with the region's fast-growing running community.
• May 2025: ASICS and Garmin announced a partnership to develop integrated performance tracking across running footwear and wearable ecosystems — a move that positions both brands strongly for the tech-savvy GCC consumer segment.
• November 2025: UAE's Dubai Active Industry released the 2025 UAE Health and Fitness Industry Report confirming steady sector growth, driven by government-backed programs including the Dubai Fitness Challenge and the National Sports Strategy 2031 — boosting demand for running gear across all distribution channels.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.