Oman’s First Mallathon takes over country's largest mall

For one morning, the familiar corridors of Mall of Oman became something entirely different. Instead of shoppers, there were runners. Instead of screens and store fronts, there was movement, energy and the rhythmic sound of footsteps.
On October 2, more than 1,500 runners gathered for the inaugural Muscat Mallathon, presented by Muscat Marathon and organised by SABCO Sports as part of Oman’s Physical Activity Month. Billed as Oman’s largest mall run, the event transformed the Sultanate of Oman’s largest mall into an unconventional race track, bringing together seasoned athletes, families, children and first-time runners.
The morning began early, with the mall gates opening at 5:45am and the race village coming alive. Following a warm-up by UFC Gym, the Samsung 4.2km race set off at 6:30am in waves, combining indoor and outdoor sections and offering a more challenging experience for experienced runners.

But the Mallathon was never only about competition. At 8am, the Poppins 1.2km Fun Run opened the race to a much wider community, particularly children, families and seniors. Designed as an accessible first step into running, the indoor course offered a short distance without the pressure of a traditional race.
Its message was simple: every beginning starts with a first step.
For the youngest participants, the experience represented something larger than a medal. The Mallathon offered children an opportunity to trade screens and iPads for movement, running and friendly challenges, turning the race into a lively introduction to an active lifestyle. Their participation was more than a morning of fun; it was a small but meaningful step towards encouraging a stronger, healthier generation.

Coach and athlete Ayoub Chikhaoui praised everyone who took part in the event. “I’m truly proud of every single person who joined us at Mallathon Oman,” he said. “You showed up, pushed yourself, and gave it your all. Every step, every effort, and every smile made today special.” Photos by Muscat Marathon” The unusual setting also became part of the experience. For Fatma al Kindi, who has participated in several marathons, the Mallathon offered something she had never experienced before.
“I’ve run multiple marathons before but nothing comes close to how special this one is,” she said. Running inside an air-conditioned mall rather than facing the morning heat, while passing closed shops and expansive spaces occupied only by runners and athletes, created an atmosphere she described as almost unreal.

Beyond the novelty, however, the race carried a deeper portrait of resilience and determination. Every runner arrived with a different reason to participate, but the finish line offered a common sense of achievement.
For Youssef Sultan, Commercial Strategist at SABCO Sports, the event represented the culmination of a long-awaited ambition.
“To be honest, it’s been a long, long while waiting to do this event,” he said. “This is the first time we do the largest Mallathon in Oman, and we’re very happy that it has been a successful event.” With cash prizes awarded to the top five men and women in the Samsung 4.2km category, alongside official race shirts, timed bibs and finisher medals, the Mallathon brought a distinctly festive spirit to competitive running.

For Sultan, however, the first edition may only be the beginning. Asked whether the Mallathon would return, his answer was simple: “Insha Allah next year.” The momentum is already building. The Muscat Heritage Run follows on November 6, while the Jebel Sifah Race is scheduled for December 18, before the season reaches its major destination with the Muscat Marathon on January 29 and 30, 2027.
If the first Mallathon was any indication, Oman’s running scene is not merely growing. It is finding new spaces, welcoming new runners and giving the country more reasons to move.