MUSCAT, MARCH 26
The Oman Desert Marathon is returning to action for its eighth edition after a gap of two years forced by the pandemic.
The Oman Desert Marathon 2022 will be held on November 26, organisers Tamkeen Sports announced.
The Marathon is a four-stage ultra race of 35 km, 50 km, 38 km, 42 km to discover the most remote and untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Oman Desert on the tracks of the ancient caravans.
The course will start from the Oasis of Bidiya and finish at Al Jawharat Resort, also in Bidiya. Four stages and four different perspectives of one of the most beautiful deserts of the world: Red, golden and white sands will make this journey unique and always different.
Said al Hajri, owner and founder of the race, is keen to welcome runners to the Sultanate of Oman.
“The Oman Desert Marathon is not only a race, but it is also an event that joins many people from the local community and that expresses the love of the people for Oman. Our goal is to welcome all the participants with the legendary Omani hospitality and to give to all our runners the possibility to live a fantastic experience in the Omani Desert.”
The Oman Desert Marathon is considered one of the toughest multi stages self-sufficient desert running races in the world. It requires high endurance, and covers 4 stages with a distance of 165 km.
Last year it was aimed for the local residents, however since Oman and the world are open for travelling, the 165 km Oman Desert Marathon Classic edition is back for 2022 as the concerns about the impact of Covid-19 on tourism are not an issue.
200 RUNNERS
The marathon attracts more than 200 runners from most of the countries around the planet.
After the Sultanate of Oman was announced among Lonely Planet’s top 10 countries to visit in 2022, and the only country from the Arabian Gulf to be included on that list, it is expected to have a rise in the numbers for the eight edition.
Former racer Adam May had said the marathon changed his perception of ultra-marathon.
“The ODM changed my perspective on ultra-marathon running for the better. The desert is magical and beautiful, but will test you mentally and physically to your limit, but you will be a better person from it. The ODM event should be on every runner’s calendar'', he said.
Female racer Franzel Cilliers called it a rewarding experience.
“The ODM made me realise that you can really achieve anything you put your mind to. That running is actually a team sport and that I would not have been able to do it without my team-mates TENT 7. The ODM brings people together, you share the same pain and the same joy. Definitely the most challenging yet most rewarding thing I have ever done'', she said.
This year the event will feature for the second time a Kids Race 2 km, a 5 km Family Run and a 10 km Cross Country Run, as well as accommodation and camping options for those wanting to spend a weekend in the region.
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