MUSCAT, Jan 19
Morocco’s famed El Morabity brothers took the centre stage after the second stage of 10th Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) at the golden sands of Rimal Al Sharqiya in the Wilayat of Bidiyah on Sunday.
After the two stages, Morocco’s Mohammed El Morabity claimed a 3 minute 40 seconds advantage with an overall time of 6:56:41 over his brother and multiple winner Rachid (7:00:22). Oman’s Saleh al Saidi (7:08:45) was 12 minutes 4 seconds from the topper in third position.
In the 32km second stage, Mohammed El Morabity took a second straight stage win in 3:05:54. Rachid (3:09:26) was close behind while Saled al Saidi (3:10:01) took third spot.
Omani runners made an impressive finish in the top 10 in a repeat of the first stage.
Oman’s Ghaith al Saeedi (3:17:48) took fourth spot ahead of compatriots Khalid al Farsi (3:32:55) in fifth, Khalid Said al Jabri (3:39:12) in sixth and Malik al Mufarji (3:42:34) seventh spots.
Russia’s Anton Zyrianov came eighth in 3:46:26, while Oman’s Hani al Saidi (3:52:57) was ninth and Ibrahim al Mufarji (4:17:57) finished 10th in the second stage.
Morocco’s Aziza Raji claimed overall 11th spot and took the top honours in the women’s category. Great Britain’s Lydia Oldham (5:05:26) was second ahead of compatriot Sally Ford (5:06:02) to complete women’s top three.
After the second stage, Aziza Raji (10:09:22) had a comfortable overall lead over second-placed Sally Ford (12:04:05) and Lydia Oldham (12:13:12) in the women’s section.
30 ATHLETES IN FRAY
The 42km first stage saw elite Moroccan marathon runners taking control in the 10th Oman Desert Marathon that was flagged off in Bidiyah on Saturday.
The Stage 1 of the 2025 Oman Desert Marathon ran through the majestic Rimal Al Sharqiya under pleasant 24°C conditions.
Thirty athletes from seven nations tackled the challenging 42-kilometre self-sufficient route. The event, organised by Sabco Sports under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, also featured 42km (non-self-sufficient), 21km, 10km, 5km, and 2km races.
Moroccan athletes dominated the podium in both categories. Mohamed El Morabity claimed victory in the men's section with an impressive time of 3:50:47, narrowly beating his countryman and brother Rachid El Morabity, who finished just nine seconds behind. Local favourite Saleh al Saidi secured third place with a time of 3:58:44.
In the women's category, Morocco's Aziza Raji took first place with a time of 5:45:54, followed by British runners Sally Ford (6:58:02) and Lydia Oldham (7:07:46).
OMANI RUNNERS SHINE
Omani runners made impressive finishes in the top 10 positions.
Oman’s Ghaith al Saeedi (4:09:32) took fourth spot ahead of compatriots Hani al Saidi (4:36:40) in fifth, Khalid al Farsi (4:41:19) in sixth and Khalid Said al Jabri (4:50:50) in seventh spots.
Russia’s Anton Zyrianov came eighth in 5:23:18, while Oman’s Malik al Mufarji (5:30:20) was ninth and Ibrahim al Mufarji (5:51:27) ended 10th in the men’s section.
Former winner Aziza made an impressive 10th finish overall and took the top spot in the women’s section.
The first stage route challenged runners through sandy plains before culminating in a formidable dune at kilometre 32, marking the stage's highlight. Golden sands interspersed with striking red hues provided a stunning backdrop for the competitors throughout the course.
"Runners were guaranteed to get a true taste of the desert from their first steps on the sand," said Race Director Said al Hajri.
The medical team reported positive health conditions among the participants. "It's crucial for runners to listen to their bodies to ensure a positive race experience," noted Doctor Muhannad Ahmed. Podiatrist Dorian Herve added that participants showed good preparation, with gaiters effectively preventing sand from entering shoes and socks, and only minor foot cramps reported.
The 165-km ODM continues with a 40 km third stage on Monday.
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