MUSCAT: The Himam Trail Run Race 2025 has entered its final countdown, with organisers confirming operational readiness for the three-day event scheduled from December 11 to 13. This edition will be the largest since the race’s inception, bringing together 4,500 runners from 68 countries — a reflection of the event’s growing international profile and its place among the region’s prominent trail-running competitions.
Preparations have involved months of fieldwork across the Al Hajar Mountains, including course refinement, safety planning, medical coordination, and multi-agency support to ensure the event runs smoothly across all categories.
The races begin on December 11, with the flagship Al Hajar Ultra 120 km, the most demanding distance of the series. Starting in Al Hamra, the route ascends through historic mountain pathways towards the elevated plateaus of Jabal Akhdar before descending into Birkat Al Mouz. The course is recognised for its sharp elevation changes, technical single-track sections, narrow rocky corridors, and heritage farming trails. Its mix of terrain continues to attract elite runners and experienced amateurs, offering conditions that reflect both the rugged landscape and cultural continuum of Oman’s mountain communities.
On Friday, the programme continues with Skyward Canyon 60 km from Izki, featuring canyon paths, stepped climbs and exposed ridge lines characteristic of the central Hajar range. The day also includes the Old Capital Trail 35 km in Nizwa — a new race that connects participants to one of Oman’s most historically significant urban centres.
Later in the afternoon, the Scenic Sprint 20 km departs from Birkat Al Mouz, taking runners through vantage points overlooking date-palm oases, terraced fields and traditional village routes. Collectively, these races offer a cross-section of the geological and cultural settings that define the region.
Organisers reported that preparations for the 2025 edition have reached an advanced phase. All routes underwent detailed assessments by medical, logistics, and operations teams to verify course markings, evaluate technical segments, and ensure aid stations meet required standards. Emergency procedures were updated in coordination with response agencies and simulation exercises were held to test readiness ahead of race week.
One of the defining features of the 2025 edition is its exceptional elite athlete roster, bringing together world-class runners from vastly different mountain environments.
RACHID TOPS LIST
According to the official elite list, the 120 km men’s field features global names such as Rachid El Morabity (Morocco) — one of the world’s most dominant desert ultrarunners and multiple Marathon des Sables champion; Theo Detienne (France) — a rising European ultra-distance champion; Mohammad Reza Jelodar (Iran); Clement Deffrenne (France), returning after a strong performance in Himam 2024; regional endurance legend Salameh al Aqra (Jordan); and Omar El Sawi (Egypt).
The 120 km women’s field includes defending Himam champion Maite Mayora (Spain), known for podium finishes at Transgrancanaria and Val d’Aran by UTMB, alongside Wenfei Xie (China), a competitive mountain runner with strong results across technical Asian terrains.
In the 60 km category, elite contenders include Vlad Ixel (Australia), with podiums at KAT100 by UTMB, Ultra-Trail Australia and TransLantau, as well as Navil Shaimukhametov (Russia), a rising figure in mid-distance mountain racing.
Oman’s elite representation is equally significant. The 120 km field includes top Omani ultra-athletes: Hamdan al Khatri, one of the nation’s most experienced mountain runners; Khalid al Farsi; Khalid al Hatmi; Saleh al Saidi and Sami al Saidi — all of whom have demonstrated strong progression in both Himam and regional mountain competitions. Their presence underscores the growing depth of local talent and signals Oman’s emergence as a competitive force in long-distance trail running.
The Himam Trail Run Race is supported by a broad network of partners led by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. Key operational support comes from the Sultan’s Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Oman Police, and the Ministry of Health, with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs contributing through community engagement initiatives.
The Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, the Oman Scouts and Guides and the University of Nizwa play important roles in on-ground coordination and volunteer support. Corporate backing is provided by OXY Oman, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman LNG, and Sohar Aluminium, reflecting strong national commitment to sports and community programmes.
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