MUSCAT, DEC 20
The inaugural of Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon, with over 1,500 runners that showed the endurance, nature and community, took place at the mountainous Sifah village and adjacent places on Friday.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), Jebel Sifah, in collaboration with Sabco Sports, the marathon was carved through coastal trails, mountain slopes, and traditional villages, offering runners an immersive journey through Oman’s natural and cultural heritage.
The more than 1,500 runners of all ages and abilities transformed the integrated destination into a vibrant hub of movement, community, and endurance as the endurance sport also featured a diverse race programme, from the ambitious 50 km to the 10 km, 5 km, Fun Run and Kids Race, designed to promote inclusive participation and inspire a culture of active, healthy living.
The destination, Jebel Sifah by Orascom Development and Omran, lying just 40 minutes from Muscat, is a destination where sports, nature, and integrated living come together effortlessly, with its vibrant marina, 9-hole golf course, diverse real estate offerings, advanced infrastructure, and premium hospitality experiences. Its proven track record in hosting global events, from international sport fishing competitions to major endurance races, firmly positions it as Oman’s leading hub for outdoor adventure, tourism and future-ready investment.
Speaking to the Observer, Mohammed bin Ahmed al Amri, General Manager of Sports activities at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth said that the Sifah Ultra Marathon supports the Ministry’s mission of promoting physical activity, enhancing community engagement, and supporting sustainable sports development across the Sultanate of Oman.
“It is a proud moment for Oman’s growing sports scene in alignment with the Sultanate's 2040 vision." Al Amri said.
Engineer Ashraf Nessim, CEO of Muriya, developer of award-winning destinations Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah, said that hosting the first edition of the Sifah Ultra Marathon represents a meaningful contribution to the Sultanate f Oman’s national priorities in advancing sports tourism, youth engagement, wellness and economic diversification, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
“It also reaffirms Muriya’s long-term commitment to positioning our destinations as leading hubs for sustainable, experience-driven tourism and high-value investment opportunities”. he concluded.
Reflecting on the delivery and impact of the event, Ali al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports, added: “Witnessing athletes, families, and communities united across Jebel Sifah’s breathtaking trails was a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to inspire and connect. The resounding success of this inaugural edition demonstrates Oman’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class endurance events. We extend our deepest thanks to our partners and participants who helped bring this to life."
In the challenging 50 km Ultra race, Abdulaziz Hunaida from Morocco won first place in the men’s category, followed by Nader Abdallah from Sudan in second place, and Navil from Eastern Europe securing third place. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Falida Massanga led the first place, with Tatina Fidasifa from Eastern Europe securing second place, and Kenya’s Broods Masky rounding out the podium in third.
“At Jebel Sifah, the Ultra Marathon showcases the destination’s versatility and readiness to host world-class events without compromising comfort, lifestyle, or authenticity. Alongside internationally recognised international fishing championships previously hosted at the destination, it reinforces that endurance sports are not one-off initiatives, but part of a broader, long-term strategy to position Jebel Sifah as a hub for major international sporting events,” said Firas Matraji, Chief Operating Officer.
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