MUSCAT: Oman Desert Marathon has welcomed Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, as official airline sponsor of its 2023 event.
Under the partnership, Oman Air will offer participants and their relatives special fares when flying into Oman for the race, which is to be held between January 21 and 24, 2023.
The Oman Desert Marathon, now in its eighth edition, will challenge athletes to take on a spectacular 165km four-stage footrace across some of the highest dunes and remote, untouched sands of the Omani desert.
Majid bin Sulaiman al Qassabi, Oman Air Country Manager (Oman), said, “The partnership is part of Oman Air’s commitment to supporting the diversification and sustainable development of Oman’s economy and promoting major sporting and cultural events. We look forward to welcoming the athletes from
all over the world for this exciting race and are pleased to provide them with an easy and seamless travel experience through our main hub in Muscat. With the weather cool and balmy in January, it’s the perfect time to enjoy one of the most beautiful deserts in the world alongside the abundant beauty, charm and culture that Oman has to offer.”
Said al Hajri, Founder of Oman Desert Marathon, added, “Adventure and sports are among the fastest growing segments in tourism, helping stimulate the sector’s contribution to the economy in line with the nation’s future vision. More than just a race, Oman Desert Marathon highlights Oman’s capabilities
for hosting key international events, as well as supporting cultural exchange and encouraging sports participation in the community. We are delighted to partner with Oman Air and to encourage even more people to come, while enhancing Oman's status as an all-round touristic destination.”
The Oman Desert Marathon was last held in 2019 and, after a hiatus due to the pandemic, is now back with over 200 athletes expected to attend. The adrenaline-charged four-day race will require each runner to be self-sufficient and carry all their equipment and food with them, crossing some of Oman’s
most breath-taking untouched natural landscapes, while offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience authentic desert life.
Oman Air supports a number of sporting and cultural events as part of its active social contributions programme and its efforts to promote Oman as a leading international sports tourism destination, as per Oman’s Vision 2040.
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