Every year, a very large group of international runners gather from different countries, to participate in a unique adventure on the picturesque sand dunes of the Oman desert. It’s the Oman Desert Marathon.
The Oman Desert Marathon is a 5-day, 165 km stage race that requires each runner to be prepared and self-sufficient in food and personal needs. The runners are also given a true experience of living in the desert, this vast expanse of stunning beauty and breathtaking imagination to implement a unique physical, emotional and spiritual experience of a lifetime. It is a sport to learn patience and challenge, a sport of excitement and suspense, a sport of adventure and strength.
The race start is in front of the historical forts and castle in the village of Al- Wasil in the Wilayat of Bidiyah and ends at the Al Jawharat Resort.
The five stages of the race (42 km, 32 km, 40 km, 30 km and 21 km) will take the contestants through different miles of attractive charm and aesthetic diversity in the topography and terrain, starting with history and civilization with historical forts and castles, passing through green palm oases and lush shades and then sand dunes where the stages of the race pass through the dwellings of the nomads who still follow the grazing roads, in the desert of Oman. As for the night stage, it has a special magic, starting with the sunset, whose golden threads are reflected on the sand to give the desert its splendor, beauty and charm, which captivates the hearts to take you little by little to darkness, isolation, calmness, silence, and the fragrance of the winds, with the radiance of millions of twinkling stars that captivate you with their beauty. The stars shimmer as if they were silver necklaces, away from the lights and hustle of the city.
And the end of the last stage, the emotions, the euphoria of victory, and the challenge will erupt for the contestants as they reach the finish line on the sands of Al Jawharat Resort in Bediyah.
165 km Oman Desert Marathon Classic
Starting from the Oasis of Alwasil and finishing at Al Jawharat Resort in Bediyah. Five stages of 42 km, 32 km, 40 km, 30 km and 21 km and five different perspectives of one of the most beautiful deserts of the world. A unique journey to discover the most remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert while on the tracks of the ancient caravans.
100 Km Oman Desert Marathon Hike
This multi-day hike is the opportunity to explore endless rolling sand dunes, and investigate the desert on foot. The Wahiba Sands are one of the most spectacular experiences Oman has to offer.
Discovering the desert can be challenging and exhausting, but it can also be easy and fun. The 100 km Oman Desert Marathon Hiking Experience, is a chance to spend time in nature, be part of the adrenaline rush and physical challenge that all participants of Oman Desert Marathon get, no matter the distance. If you’re planning on hiking, BE PREPARED!
Hiking in the Omani desert is very different from hiking on mountain trails or other deserts, in the desert there are no trails and it is mostly soft sand. Though it is very safe to hike in the desert and you will not have problems navigating it, you should not underestimate it!
Like the 165 km runners, you will start from from the Oasis of Alwasil and finishing at Al Jawharat Resort in Bediyah and cover 5 stages, with the difference that you will cover approximately 20 km per day.
Are you ready for the big adventure? this long distance hike is possible for beginners, a multi-day desert hike, supported from the moment you arrive till the dat you go!
42 Km AlSharqyah Marathon
Starting from the Oasis of Al Wasil, Al Sharqyah Marathon marathon is the previous step if you are thinking of running an ultra marathon on sand. Explore the desert with runners of The Oman Desert Marathon Classic – 165 Km race, experience the first stage of this ultra with runners from all around the world, many of them elite world desert champions that come to challenge themselves in the beautiful but also challenging Omani desert.
21 Km Bidiyah half Marathon
Starting from the Oasis of Al Wasil, the half marathon is the next step after having previous ran in the desert, getting deeper in the desert in the company of the 42 km runners and runners of The Oman Desert Marathon Classic – 165 Km race, to get the feel of ultra running with participants from all around the world, many of them elite world desert champions that come to challenge themselves in the beautiful but also challenging Omani desert.
The event will start from 200 meters from the Al Wasil Fort Location, where you can park your car. From parking runners can walk to the start point. The track will follow the trail path and will enter the sand dunes. The trail will be properly marked and we will have volunteers and first aid assistance to make sure it is a safe event. There will be aid stations mid race and at the end where you can refill your reusable water bottle.
10 Km Almintrib Cross Country Run
The 10KM distance is long enough to represent a challenge but short enough to remain accessible for a less experienced runner. A good race for enthusiasts that want a little taste of the desert, a good experience. The event will start from 200 meters from the Al Wasil Fort Location, where you can park your car. From parking runners can walk to the start point. The track will follow the trail path and will enter the sand dunes. The trail will be properly marked and we will have volunteers and first aid assistance to make sure it is a safe event. There will be aid stations at the start and finish line.
5 Km Al Wasil Family Fun
Whether you are walking or running, enjoy a fun day out with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded people and remember it is a race for all abilities. The event will start from 200 meters from the Al Wasil Fort Location, where you can park your car. From parking runners can walk to the start point. The track will follow the trail path and will enter the sand dunes. The trail will be properly marked and we will have volunteers and first aid assistance to make sure it is a safe event. There will be aid stations at the finish line.
2 Km Aljawhara Run
Kids love to run, why not harness that energy in the desert? Fresh air, exercise, and exploration are just a few of the benefits children can experience when they spend time outdoors. The event will start from 200 meters from the Al Wasil Fort Location, where you can park your car. From parking runners can walk to the start point. Only Kids between 8 and 11 years old are allowed to participate.
5k Night Race
The night race in Ghala is a 5 KM trail race, an opportunity to enjoy to run/ walk under the stars and imagine how to run in the desert at night is. The Oman Desert Marathon Classic – 165 Km race has a stage in the night, and the 5 km night race is the opportunity to bring the magic of the desert night to those who wonder how it feels like.We believe Oman Desert Marathon is an event that joins many people from the local community and that expresses the love of the people for Oman. Giving back to the community offers a sense of accomplishment and pride that are hard to achieve elsewhere.
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