9th edition of Oman Desert Marathon to be held in North Al Sharqiyah

Muscat: With the participation of 700 runners, the Oman Desert Marathon will be held in the Al Sharqiyah Sands in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate for four days during the period from January 20-23, 2024.

The “Oman Desert Marathon” will return in its ninth edition during the period from January 20 to 23, 2024 , in the Al Sharqiyah Sands in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, after the organisers of this upcoming race announced the opening of registration to participate in one of the global running races, which requires high endurance throughout the distance of 165 kilometers. Every runner will be completely self-reliant during the race.

 In addition, there are other races for desert racing fans, such as the 2 km children’s race, the 5 km family race, the 10 km cross-country race, the 21 km half marathon race, and the 42 km marathon race. The race is held under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and with the participation of a number of government and private agencies.

 The race gains great fame year after year by attracting more than 700 runners from various countries of the world to embark on an unparalleled adventure in the embrace of the picturesque terrain of the Omani desert, allowing them to experience an unforgettable physical experience amidst a vast expanse of enchanting surrounding scenery extending between the golden sand dunes.

 The race, which will start from the Al Wasil area in the Wilayat of Bidiya, is divided into a (classic desert race) of 165 kilometers, and is divided into four stages, each extending over a distance of 42 kilometers, 55 kilometers, 47 kilometers (night stage), and 21 kilometers, respectively. In addition to the accompanying short races of 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km, which provides the competitors with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of landscapes in the desert of the Sultanate of Oman during the race route extending in front of the castles and forts steeped in history in the village of Al Wasil in the Wilayat of Bidiya, through towering sand dunes, providing runners with a complete desert experience. Where competitors will pass through the beauty of wildlife and a captivating sunset view.

The night stage will also captivate the hearts of the competitors with the amazing magic of the desert and the sky studded with sparkling stars, which represents the perfect conclusion to this stage, and the competitors will land at the Jewel Bidiyah Resort at the finish line.

 On this occasion, Mr. Said bin Mohammed Al Hajri, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the ‘Oman Desert Marathon’, said: “The route of the ‘Oman Desert Marathon’ was designed in a unique style that provides a realistic, unparalleled desert experience. The Sultanate of Oman is distinguished by the beauty of its wonderful terrain of stunning mountains and desert dunes. And the wonderful valleys. The Omani desert also provides marathon runners around the world with an ideal and new experience that is the best of its kind ever.”

It is noteworthy that the runners must rely completely on themselves, as they must carry all the equipment for the race except for the water distributed at the checkpoints, each of which is separated by a distance of 10 kilometers, which represents a real challenge in the eyes of the competitor, who will carry supplies sufficient for four days and run a distance of 165 km, but it is an adventure worth the effort and allows participants to immerse themselves in an authentic desert experience.

 It is worth noting that registration for the race is open through the website : www.marathonoman.com.