NBO Oman Desert Marathon leaves lasting impression

Muscat: The 4th NBO Oman Desert Marathon concluded on Friday, with a prize-giving ceremony organised under the patronage of the Minister of Information, Dr Abdulmunin bin Mansour Al Hasani, at Al Wasil village in the North Sharquiyah.
In the general ranking, Algerian Rachid el Morabity won the title of the 4th NBO Oman Desert Marathon, followed by Ukrainian Gylva Evgenii in second place and Jordanian Salameh Al Aqra in third. Omani athletes Sami Al Saidi and Mossa Al Balushi finished in fourth and fifth position.
Approximately one hundred marathoners from around 20 countries took part in the 4th NBO Oman Desert Marathon. The unique desert adventure, hosted from November 4 to 12, comprised six stages with the total distance covered by the runners was 165 kilometers.
The desert marathon left a lasting impression amongst spectators in the local community. The runners who completed this incredible endurance event were also enthused by the experience.
Ukrainian runner Gylva Evgenii said: “I wish to participate next year also and I would come prepared to win. Besides, Oman is a beautiful country, and the people are very friendly and hospitable. The desert itself provides a unique landscape for the visitor.”
A main objective of the marathon was to spread awareness about the beauty of the Omani desert, which is one of the world’s most stunning locations.
The route of the NBO Oman Desert marathon passed through diverse terrain. Over its course, the participants enjoyed views of a variety of historical forts and castles, palm oases, sand dunes and Bedouin settlements, as well as taking in the desert wildlife.
The marathon ended at Al Quhaid village near the pristine white beaches of the Arabian Sea. Popularly known as Bidiya sands, Sharquiya sands or Al Wahiba sands (Ramlat Al Wahiba), spreading over 180km north to south and 80km east to west, with a total area of 12,500sqkm.
The marathon was hosted by ‘Adventure’, an organisation well known for hosting various adventure sports events in Oman.
Said Al Hajri, Chairman and Founder of Adventure, said: “All the participants tried to put their best feet forward and they enjoyed the race a lot. This desert marathon provided them the most realistic experience of desert life, Bedouin culture and the world famous Omani Hospitality.”
Al Hajri thanked all sponsors and supporters of the race including Ministry of Sports of Affairs, Omran Tourism Development, NBO, Oman Sail, Mwasalat, Omantel, Oman Air, Badiyah Water, 3D, Pocari Sweat, The Intercontinental Muscat and Atheer.
International participant, Sondre Amdhal from Norway, also enjoyed the experience.
“It has been great to visit Oman and I have felt a great hospitality and warmth. The terrain is challenging but also accessible for a lot people. I will recommend this race to a large variety of people. This was not an easy race. It was a memorable one.”