MUSCAT: The fifth edition of the Himam Trail Run began on Thursday, welcoming over 4,000 runners, including more than 1,000 professional athletes from 65 countries. This premier event, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, will run until Saturday. It promises a dynamic platform for participants to push their physical and mental limits against the backdrop of Oman’s stunning natural landscapes and challenging mountainous trails, offering an unmatched experience for adventure sports enthusiasts.
The race’s highlight is the gruelling 110 km ultra-marathon, which began at 7 am on Thursday in the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Participants navigate through its lush orchards, the historic village of Misfat Al Abriyeen and ascend to Sharaf Al Alamin before traversing rugged trails to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and concluding at Birkat Al Mouz. With a 32-hour limit, the race challenges athletes to endure overnight in the demanding Al Hajar Mountains, making it the centrepiece of the event.
On Friday, the 55 km race begins at 7 am from the historic village of Imty in the Wilayat of Izki. Competitors will pass through local orchards and scenic trails in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, concluding their run at Birkat Al Mouz after a maximum of 14 hours. The 20 km race, which takes place on Friday evening, starts and ends in Birkat Al Mouz, offering participants an elevation gain of 500 metres through surrounding mountains, creating a unique trail-running experience.
Additional races include 10 km and 5 km events for adults, also on Friday, and children’s races on Saturday covering distances of 1 km, 2 km, and 4 km, encouraging the younger generation to embrace an active lifestyle.
Promoting Sports, Economy and Culture
Running alongside the event is a five-day SME exhibition, aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises focused on sports and nature. This initiative integrates sports with local economic and tourism growth, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between adventure sports and regional development.
The event, organised by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is held in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY). Sponsorship is provided by major entities, including Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) as a Gold Sponsor, Golden Tulip Hotel as a Silver Sponsor, and Sohar Aluminium as a Bronze Sponsor.
The Himam Trail Run underscores Oman’s position as a global destination for mountain sports and adventure activities. It offers a platform to celebrate the natural beauty of the Al Hajar Mountains and the rich cultural heritage of the participating wilayats. By blending sports tourism with local culture, the event also fosters economic support for communities along the trail.
With widespread international participation and media coverage, this year’s edition is set to further enhance Oman’s reputation as a hub for endurance sports and adventure tourism.
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