Oman opens registration for desert marathon
Top international long-distance runners have confirmed their participation, further cementing the marathon's reputation as one of the world's premier desert races.
The race continues to attract global attention, recently receiving extensive coverage in German magazine Runner's World, one of the leading publications dedicated to endurance running. 'This recognition underscores Oman's growing profile as a hub for sports tourism and extreme endurance events,' stated the organisers.
The Oman Desert Marathon has also received accreditation from the international organisation SheRACES, becoming the first event in the Middle East to do so. 'The certification reflects the race's commitment to inclusivity, particularly in enhancing women's participation in long-distance running, where global participation still stands at only 16% despite notable female success in road and mountain races.'
SheRACES advocates for gender equality in endurance sports.
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Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman opens registration for desert marathon
Muscat – The organising committee of the Oman Desert Marathon has opened registration for the 11th edition of the event, which will be held in Bidiyah, North Sharqiyah from January 10 to 14, 2026. Top international long-distance runners have confirmed their participation, further cementing the marathon's reputation as one of the world's premier desert races. The race continues to attract global attention, recently receiving extensive coverage in German magazine Runner's World, one of the leading publications dedicated to endurance running. 'This recognition underscores Oman's growing profile as a hub for sports tourism and extreme endurance events,' stated the organisers. The Oman Desert Marathon has also received accreditation from the international organisation SheRACES, becoming the first event in the Middle East to do so. 'The certification reflects the race's commitment to inclusivity, particularly in enhancing women's participation in long-distance running, where global participation still stands at only 16% despite notable female success in road and mountain races.' SheRACES advocates for gender equality in endurance sports.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Times of Oman
Registration for 11th edition of Oman Desert Marathon opens
Muscat: The Organising Committee of the Oman Desert Marathon has announced the opening of registration for its 11th edition, which will be held in the golden sands of Bidiyah, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, from January 10 to 14, 2026. Running champions from around the world have confirmed their participation and desire to attend the upcoming edition of the marathon. The Oman Desert Marathon has received international recognition and is considered one of the most prominent long-distance running events in the world. The announcement follows the prominent coverage the race received in Runner's World Germany, one of the world's leading running magazines. This coverage is a significant step that reinforces Oman's position as the world's leading desert running place and highlights its growing reputation as a premium destination for sports tourism and extreme endurance sports. The Oman Desert Marathon has been accredited by the international organisation SheRACES. This recognition confirms that the marathon meets the highest international standards for inclusiveness in women's participation in long-distance running races. This certification addresses a significant gap in the sport, as women's participation still does not exceed 16 percent, despite their significant superiority in many road and mountain races. The Oman Desert Marathon is the first event in the Middle East to receive this unique accreditation. The international organisation SheRACES works to achieve equality by supporting organisers in providing a fair and inclusive sporting environment. The accreditation affirms the marathon's commitment to providing an experience where everyone feels supported throughout the race.
Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition
MUSCAT, AUGUST 1 Oman's trailblazing desert marathon race has opened registration for its 2026 edition. The organisers Omania Adventure are gearing up to host the desert race in the golden sands of the Wilayat of Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, where endless dunes meet the horizon. The 11th Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) is set to take place from January 10 to 14, 2026. Over the years, the ultra-marathon has become far more than just a running competition. Positioned as a unique journey to discover remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert, the event blends technical racing, cultural immersion, alongside Omani hospitality across a desert-to-sea route. Registration is now open for multiple distances including marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, 5 km and kids race. The announcement follows the race's prominent feature in the May issue of Runners World Germany, one of Europe's most prestigious running publications. The extensive coverage in Runners World Germany represents a significant milestone for Oman's flagship ultra-running event, validating ODM's position among the world's most exceptional desert racing experiences. This international recognition highlights Oman's growing reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism and ultra-endurance sports. Participants during the additional races. — Yahya al Hajri RACE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION With expanded inclusivity efforts in place for next year, the ODM has confirmed details for its 2026 edition. The 2026 edition features multiple challenging desert crossing options: 165 km Classic Ultra: A five-stage self-supported ultra-marathon following ancient caravan routes from historic Al Wasil Fort, culminating at the shores of the Arabian Sea. 100 km Desert Hike: An accessible introduction to desert adventure covering the same legendary route, also finishing at the sea. Additional race distances — including 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 2 km kids race — are now open for registration, providing opportunities for runners of all abilities to experience the magic of Oman's desert landscape. The race promotes Oman as a destination for adventure tourism, drawing elite and amateur runners globally. Notable local participants include top athletes from the Royal Army of Oman, such as Hamdan al Khatri, Saleh al Saidi and Ghaith al Saadi, as well as civilian talents such as Khalid al Jabri, all of whom have also competed internationally on the ultra-running circuit. CHAMPIONING FEMALE INCLUSION The 2026 Oman Desert Marathon has earned SheRACES accreditation, providing official recognition that the event meets the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running. This certification addresses a critical need in the sport, where despite women consistently excelling in trail and ultra races, female participation remains at only 16 per cent of race participants. 'As women, we face unique barriers and concerns that men don't even consider', mentions Rigel Cedeno, project manager and former participant of the Oman Desert Marathon. 'We are proud to make it easier for other women to discover both the raw beauty of the desert and their own incredible strength'. With the support of Race Director Said al Hajri, the ODM is now a SheRACES accredited event — the only race in the Middle East to achieve this recognition. An organiser during the 2025 edition of Oman Desert Marathon. — Ian Corless DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE The race's commitment to inclusivity was highlighted at an exclusive documentary premiere on July 10 in Barcelona, Spain. 'From Snow to the Desert' (Dela Nieve al Desierto), a compelling 25-minute documentary, chronicles the remarkable story of Pol Makuri, a Spanish Paralympic athlete with hemiparesis who became the first person with disabilities to complete the 165 km Oman Desert Marathon. Pol and Albert were the first to test Salomon's revolutionary trail running shoe prototype in the real conditions of the Rimal Al Sharqiya during the Oman Desert Marathon 2024 edition. 'Pol's infectious enthusiasm and authentic storytelling reminded us exactly why we created ODM — to push boundaries, test limits and emerge stronger', said event organisers. Makuri, competing alongside journalist Albert Jorquera in January 2024, finished third as a team in the demanding self-supporting stage race. Their achievement demonstrates that ODM's 'no runner left behind' philosophy genuinely extends to athletes of all abilities. The premiere at the Teatre Ateneu d'Igualada offered a window into the raw beauty and harshness of the desert and into the profound human connection that arises when challenges are shared. A heartfelt discussion followed with both protagonists, joined by ODM's Said al Hajri along with Rigel Cedeno Gamarra — both of whom travelled from Oman to be present for this meaningful celebration of human perseverance. The documentary can be watched on YouTube under the name 'Dela Nieve al Desierto' with subtitles available in English and Arabic. The documentary was made possible thanks to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology — Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Desert Marathon dedicated team. Pictures by Ian Corless
