Women in Saudi Arabia participated in a race Saturday for the first time in the kingdom's history.

The three-kilometer race took place in the eastern province of al-Ahsa.

About 1,500 women competed in various categories of the race, including professional, amateur, old and young.

The Saudi General Directorate of Sports, al-Moosa Hospital and al-Ahsa municipality sponsored the marathon.

Saudi national Mizna al-Nassar took first place, besting her rivals from guest nations.

The women's race is in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's push for greater social openings, which has included lifting the ban on women driving and bringing back concerts and other forms of entertainment to appeal to the country's majority young population.