MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is set to welcome the world once again with the return of Oman by UTMB 2026, a flagship event of the UTMB World Series to be held from December 10 to 12, 2026. Building on the legacy of the renowned Himam Trail Run Race, the 2026 edition launches a new partnership with Experience Oman — a collaboration shaped by authenticity, adventure, and community.
Set against the towering Al Hajar Mountains and inspired by Oman’s ancient trade routes, the 2026 edition will celebrate Omani heritage while showcasing the country’s dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. The course traverses the historic towns of Al Hamra, Izki, Nizwa, and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, inviting runners to explore rugged highlands, ancient villages, wadis, and Unesco-listed sites along trails once travelled by shepherds and traders.
Since 2021, the Himam team — official organiser of Oman by UTMB — has been at the forefront of developing trail running across the Middle East. What began as a local initiative in the Al Hajar Mountains has evolved into Oman’s leading annual mountain event, inspiring thousands of runners and volunteers to take part. Guided by a strong sense of community and environmental care, Himam has helped position Oman as a rising global destination for endurance sport. Through Oman by UTMB, that journey now reconnects with the world stage, bringing the UTMB World Series experience closer to regional athletes while continuing to honour the heritage and vision built over the past years.
With race distances that will cater for different endurance levels, participants will experience dramatic elevation gains, natural canyons, and raw beauty, while communities along the route extend their signature Omani hospitality with warmth, pomegranates and traditional coffee. The race village in Birkat Al Mouz, nestled between Nizwa and Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, will serve as the event’s vibrant heart — blending heritage, endurance, and celebration.
“Oman by UTMB is a powerful symbol of how nature, culture, and endurance come together to define authentic experiences in Oman,” said Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, Sultanate of Oman. “Through this event, we look forward to welcoming the global trail community to our highlands, where hospitality runs deep and every summit tells a story.”
“We are delighted to welcome Oman by UTMB back into the UTMB World Series, an event that perfectly embodies the spirit of our global community,” said Florian Lamblin, UTMB International Executive Director. “Oman’s breathtaking landscapes — from the peaks of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar to the villages of Al Hamra and Nizwa — together with its deep-rooted culture and commitment to sustainability, reflect the values that drive the UTMB World Series worldwide. This return is a celebration of endurance, exploration, and the bond between people, place and nature.”
Assim al Saqri, President of Himam, organisers of the event, added: “We are delighted to see Oman by UTMB return to the international calendar as a defining fixture in the Middle East’s endurance landscape and the UTMB World Series. The event reinforces Oman’s position on the global trail map — a destination where professional standards meet genuine adventure.”
Local ultra-runner Hamdan al Khatri described the event’s return as a milestone for Omani trail running: “Oman by UTMB has always represented more than a race — it is a journey through our mountains, our culture, and the strength that defines Omani endurance. The return of this event brings back a stage where the world can experience Oman’s terrain and hospitality through the rhythm of trail running.”
Beyond the race, Oman by UTMB reflects a long-term commitment to the land and its people. Over the past three years, the Himam Trail Run team has preserved and expanded 210 km of trails, connecting mountain communities while preventing erosion and land degradation. They have trained 450 volunteers across logistics, safety, and media, and partnered with Be’ah — Oman’s leading waste-management company — to reduce single-use plastics and improve recycling. Female participation has risen to 24 per cent, with numbers continuing to grow each year. Community initiatives such as the Pink Run for breast-cancer awareness and family Fun Runs have broadened engagement and fostered a healthier, more inclusive society.
The 2026 edition will continue to build on this legacy with flagship initiatives focused on inclusion, community engagement, and sustainability. Adaptive athletes will be welcomed through specialised training and support programmes, while young runners — particularly girls from rural areas — will benefit from mentorship and coaching. An upskilling programme will enable Omani volunteers to train alongside teams in the Mont Blanc valleys at Hoka UTMB Mont Blanc, bringing international best practice back to Oman’s growing trail community. Support for local artisans and farmers will also continue through the sourcing of race goods and runner packages, featuring Omani produce and craftsmanship.
Registrations open on February 3, 2026 for UTMB Index holders and on February 5, 2026 for the public at oman.utmb.world
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