MUSCAT: Momentum is fast building up for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, with over 6500 runners already having booked their place and ground fast cleared up for the mega marathon event on February 11-12, 2022. There are five different categories to choose from this year, ranging from full and half marathons of 42.5km and 21.1km respectively, to 5km and 10km runs and a kids’ run of 1km, 2km and 3km. Each course has been designed with different fitness and experience levels in mind, ensuring there are opportunities for runners of all ages to be a part of Oman’s biggest race.
The 2022 edition of the most popular sporting event is supported by brand ambassadors Ali al Habsi, legendary Omani goalkeeper and renowned television host Ibtihal al Zadjali who will be taking part in the race themselves and encouraging runners from across Oman and the GCC region to join them.
The Muscat Marathon is in its 10th year since its maiden edition in 2012, which was organized by 'Muscat Road Runners' with 135 competitors.
It has quickly grown in leaps and bounds and the response from the sport aficionados in the country has been tremendous since registrations opened at the end of September 2021, according to the organizers.
“The overwhelming response from the public is a clear indication that people across the country have recognised the important role that leading a healthy and active lifestyle can have on their wellbeing,” says Sayyid Aymen al Busaidi, Vice Chairman of Sabco Group, the organisers of the newest edition of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon.
"Registering for the Marathon can support body and mind by setting goals, committing to a routine, and rising to the challenge. The return of this iconic event offers an opportunity to join thousands of others from around the world and reconnect with a passionate community of athletes, friends, and colleagues through sport," adds Al Busaidi.
The last edition hosted in 2020 just under 11,000 runners competing in six race categories across a two-day festival of running witnessed as many as 103 different nationalities represented, furthering the marathon’s reputation as the most iconic event on the Sultanate of Oman’s sporting calendar.
The Muscat Marathon 2020 and the marathon, marathon relay, half marathon and 10km routes were all certified by world-running organisation AIMS, aligning the event with International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) standards. The Charity Fun Run 5km saw thousands of runners raise money for good causes and the Kids’ Run sold out in record time!
The 2021 event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic but returns in 2022 with the aim of reigniting Oman’s passion for an active lifestyle and creating memorable experiences.
The event became known as the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon with Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premier lifestyle destination, Oman Sail and Muscat Road Runners joining forces.
“We are proud to host the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon for the sixth year running. One of our pillars is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, which coincides with this exciting event. We greatly look forward to delivering even more great moments for participants, spectators, and visitors,” said Nasser bin Masoud al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat.
Running to the mega marathon, free public training sessions are being held over a 10-week period to help runners improve their fitness, learn warm-up and cool down techniques, and receive nutrition advice. The sessions will take place every Friday until the race. Organisers further said that there are also opportunities for volunteers to help on-site during the two-day event.
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