The 11th edition of the Oman Desert Marathon is set to launch on January 10, 2026. The event will be held in Rimal Al Sharqiya, Wilayat of Bidiyah in the Al Sharqiyah North Governorate and will continue for five days, featuring elite runners from various countries around the world.
Said bin Mohammed al Hajri, General Supervisor of Oman Desert Marathon and Chairman of Oman Athletics Association, stated to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the Sultanate of Oman is preparing to host one of the most prominent global sporting events at the beginning of 2026 by organising Oman Desert Marathon. This exceptional event combines the spirit of athletic challenge with the beauty of the Omani desert landscape, attracting professional and amateur runners from different parts of the world.
He added that Oman Desert Marathon is the first event in the Middle East to obtain this unique accreditation. The global organisation “SheRACES” works to achieve parity by supporting organisers in providing a fair and inclusive sporting environment. He noted that the accreditation certificate confirms the marathon’s commitment to providing an experience where everyone feels supported throughout the race competitions.
He explained that Oman Desert Marathon presents a unique test for runners, as temperatures vary between day and night, and the terrain shifts between soft sands, high dunes, and open tracks. This adds an adventurous dimension that enhances the race’s uniqueness and places it among the world’s most prominent desert races.
Said al Hajri emphasised that the marathon seeks to achieve several goals, most notably promoting sports tourism, boosting the local economy, highlighting the beauty of the Omani desert environment and its rich natural diversity, and establishing the concept of sport as a healthy and sustainable lifestyle within the community.
He noted that the marathon is expected to witness wide international participation from dozens of countries, serving as a platform for the convergence of different cultures, the exchange of sporting experiences, and enhancing the global presence of the Sultanate of Oman on the map of sport and adventure.
He pointed out that the marathon will start from Al Wasil village in the Wilayat of Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate. Participants will traverse varied desert routes extending through Rimal Al Sharqiya before concluding the journey on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Qahid village in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.
He added that the main course length is 165 kilometres for desert running, in addition to a 100-kilometre desert walking course, distributed over five stages, representing a true challenge to test physical ability and mental endurance.
He stated that the global event in its eleventh edition is held amidst exceptional winter weather as part of the “North A’Sharqiyah Winter Festival” activities. It is not limited to long-distance races only but includes an integrated programme suitable for all ages and abilities. This includes a 2-kilometre race for children, a 5-kilometre race for youth and families, a 10-kilometre cross-country race, a half marathon of 21 kilometres, and a full marathon of 42 kilometres for professionals and amateurs.
He furthered that this diversity reflects the organisers’ keenness to make the marathon a community sports festival, opening the door to broad and anticipated participation, especially as these races in past editions have seen significant turnout from participants of both genders and various nationalities from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
It is worth noting that Oman Desert Marathon 2026 represents more than just a sporting race; it is a global message reflecting the Sultanate of Oman’s ability to organise major international events and affirms its position as a leading destination for desert sports and adventures.
It is where physical challenge meets the spirit of discovery in the heart of the Omani desert, especially with the marathon having gained international recognition. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
