Challenge the heights, honour Nadhira’s legacy

MUSCAT: Preparations are gathering pace for the “Challenge Trail” event at Jabal Shams on August 21, offering a mountain experience that combines sport, adventure and a tribute to the legacy of the late Omani mountaineer Nadhira al Harthi.
The event will feature a 25-kilometre mountain route with an accumulated elevation gain of around 1,200 metres, bringing together running and adventure enthusiasts from Oman and abroad.
The organising committee includes representatives from several running and adventure groups, including Oman Running Club, Shaba Team, Jetour Team and Rahhal Sports and Adventures Team. Participants are also expected from Saudi Arabia, along with running groups and individuals from Egypt, South Africa, the Philippines, Iran, India, Bangladesh and the United States.
Organisers expect between 100 and 200 participants, including members of the participating teams and enthusiasts of mountain sports and outdoor adventure.
According to the organising committee, the event has been designed as a tribute to Al Harthi’s legacy and the values of determination, perseverance and passion for adventure that defined her journey. It also aims to promote a culture of challenge and community engagement while showcasing Oman’s diverse natural attractions, particularly its mountain landscapes.
In a press statement, Talal bin Salim al Mahrouqi, Chairman of Oman Running Club and a member of the organising committee, said the Challenge Trail is intended to go beyond the concept of a conventional sporting event by combining physical challenge, adventure and remembrance of Nadhira and the inspiring impact she left in the fields of sport and mountain adventure.
“Through the Challenge Trail, we were keen to present an experience with a clear message — to honour the legacy of Nadhira al Harthi and remember a journey that embodied determination, perseverance and a passion for adventure,” Al Mahrouqi said.
“We believe inspiring achievements do not end with the passing of those who accomplished them. Their influence continues through the legacy they leave behind and by turning their experiences into a source of inspiration for future generations.”
Al Mahrouqi said the selection of Jabal Shams as the venue was deliberate, with Oman’s highest mountain providing both a demanding sporting environment and an opportunity for participants to experience one of the Sultanate’s most striking natural settings.
“The approximately 25-kilometre route, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,200 metres, will provide participants with an experience that combines physical effort, the excitement of adventure and the exceptional scenery for which Jabal Shams is known,” he added.
He explained that the event is aimed at enthusiasts of trail running, mountain hiking and adventure activities, and is not restricted to professional athletes or experienced mountaineers. However, he stressed that the nature of the route requires an appropriate level of physical fitness, endurance and full compliance with the event’s safety requirements.