Oman Club launches running team to strengthen community sport

MUSCAT, APRIL 17

Oman Club officially launched Oman Club Running Team at its headquarters in Al Khuwair, marking a new step in promoting running culture and encouraging a healthier lifestyle across the Sultanate of Oman.

The team was originally formed in November 2025 as a community-based sporting initiative that brought together several running groups and individual runners under one umbrella. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khalfan bin Saleh al Naabi, Chairman of the Oman Basketball Association and head of the Omani Committee for Sport and Society at the Oman Olympic Committee, in the presence of Jihad bin Abdullah al Shaikh, Vice-Chairman of Oman Club’s Board, team officials, members and media representatives.

In his opening remarks, Talal al Mahrouqi, head of Oman Club Running Team, said the partnership marks a significant moment for both the club and the sport of running in Oman. He noted that the move aims to create a stronger institutional framework that combines Oman Club’s history and experience with the ambition and energy of the team’s members.

Al Mahrouqi said the team has already made a clear impact through local races and community activities, while also helping spread the idea of sport as a way of life. He added that the new phase will support the development of Omani runners, prepare them for local and international competition, and help organise quality events that further raise the profile of running in the Sultanate of Oman.

Since its establishment, the team has organised regular group training sessions for different levels, including light jogging, speed work, long-distance runs and mountain training. It has also staged a range of challenges and activities, including personal-best attempts over 5 km and 10 km, as well as group sessions at various locations across Muscat.

NATURAL POTENTIAL

Eng Khalfan al Naabi described the move as an important step in supporting community teams through a more structured and sustainable model. He said Oman has strong natural potential for running in its various forms, from mountain and beach running to road running, which creates broad opportunities for the sport’s growth.

He added that integrating the team into Oman Club will help provide better guidance, training and opportunities for participation in local and international races, while also serving the wider goal of expanding community sport. He noted that the team has already attracted more than 1,000 followers and around 500 runners in less than a year.

For his part, Jihad al Shaikh said the team’s inclusion under Oman Club reflects the club’s wider aim of embracing both formal and informal sporting activities. He added that the team can also serve as a community platform to deliver health and social awareness messages, while reinforcing the concept of sport as a daily lifestyle for all age groups.

Team member Ghina al Habal highlighted the growing presence of women in sport, saying female participation has expanded notably in recent years and added greater energy to competitions. She said Omani women are now aiming not only to take part, but also to compete strongly and reach podium places. Al Habal added that sport helps women maintain physical, mental and emotional balance, while also enabling them to set a positive example for their children and contribute to building a healthier and more aware generation.