Those looking to kick start a healthier 2024 will be pleased to learn that there are still some places to join the popular Oman Desert Marathon, taking place next week (20-23 January). They can join the 700 runners who have already signed up for one of the world’s most challenging but rewarding races – although there are options for everyone to take part, from 2km to 165km.
The ninth edition of the Oman Desert Marathon will take place in the Al Sharqiyah Sands, about two hours away from Muscat, the country’s capital city.
The “classic” version of the marathon is 165km long and requires high endurance from competitors. A unique journey to discover the most remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert while on the tracks of the ancient caravans.
In addition to the “classic” marathon, there are other races for desert racing fans, such as the 2km children’s race, the 5km family race, the 10km cross-country race, the 21km half-marathon race, and the 42km marathon race.
The Oman Desert Marathon 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 Oman Desert Marathon, which starts from the Al Wasil area in the Wilayat of Bidiya, is divided into a (classic desert race) of 165 kilometres and is divided into four stages, each extending over a distance of 42 kilometres, 55 kilometres, 47 kilometres (night stage), and 21 kilometres, respectively.
In addition, there will be accompanying short races of 2km, 5km, 10km, 21km and 42 km, which will provide competitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of landscapes in the Omani desert, from castles and forts steeped in history to towering sand dunes offering wildlife and captivating sunsets.
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, the official hotel partner for the Oman Desert Marathon. Rooms from £70 per night.
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 worth pointing out that runners will rely completely on themselves, as they must carry all the equipment for the race except for the water, which will be distributed at the checkpoints every 10 kilometres. An adventure worth the effort, which allows participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic desert experience.
Available spaces can be booked online: www.marathonoman.com.