MUSCAT: More than 1,500 participants competed in the second edition of the Muscat Night Run, organised by the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) as part of Sports Spark 2026, presented by Sohar International, which brought together competitive runners, amateurs, families and children at Madinat Al Irfan.
Presented by Madinat Al Irfan, the Official Destination Partner, the event forms part of OCEC’s efforts to enrich Oman’s sporting landscape by creating community-focused events that promote physical activity and encourage people of different ages and abilities to embrace active lifestyles.
The night race featured two distances catering to different levels of participation. The 5 km race offered runners a competitive challenge, while the 2.5 km family route provided amateurs, children and families with an opportunity to take part together in an accessible sporting environment.
Competition was strong across both categories. In the women’s category, Khawla Yachou claimed first place, followed by Hanan al Juhani in second and Ghina al Habbal in third. Zahra Ghasemi finished fourth, while Maria Cristina Finch completed the top five.
In the men’s category, Mohammed al Farsi emerged victorious, with Imad al Farsi finishing second and Nader Abdullah taking third place. Ahmed Ali al Amiri secured fourth, while Majid al Ghadami finished fifth.
The participation of more than 1,500 competitors underlined the growing appeal of the Muscat Night Run in its second edition and reflected increasing interest in sporting events that combine competition with community participation.
The night-time setting at Madinat Al Irfan added a distinctive atmosphere to the event, allowing participants to enjoy sport in a setting that combined physical activity, recreation and social interaction.
The varied race format also reinforced the concept of sport for all, extending participation beyond competitive runners to families, children and recreational athletes, in line with Sports Spark’s wider objective of encouraging physical activity across different sections of society.
Madinat Al Irfan’s support as the Official Destination Partner reflects its commitment to initiatives that promote quality of life and healthier lifestyles while strengthening its position as a destination for major community, sporting and entertainment events.
Mohammed al Salmi, General Manager of Madinat Al Irfan, said "our partnership with the Muscat Night Run reflects Madinat Al Irfan’s belief in the importance of initiatives that create spaces and opportunities for people to come together and strengthen their connection with the place and with one another."
“As Madinat Al Irfan continues to grow, we will continue to support initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen the sense of community that gives places their value and vitality.”
The Muscat Night Run is part of the fourth edition of Sports Spark 2026, held at OCEC and featuring a wide range of sporting, recreational and interactive activities for different sections of the community.
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