MUSCAT : With over 4,000 competitors, including more than 1,000 professional runners from 65 countries, the race has become the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The event, which runs until Saturday, December 7, 2024, will provide a global platform for athletes to challenge their physical and mental limits in the stunning and rugged terrain of Oman’s Hajar Mountains.
The highlight of the event is the demanding 110km challenge race, which will begin at 7 am in Al Hamra. Runners will navigate through the village of Misfat Al Abriyeen, climb the Sharaf Al Alamein in the Eastern Mountains, and tackle the difficult paths leading up to Jabal Akhdar. The race concludes at Birkat Al Mouz after 32 continuous hours of running, with participants pushing through the night in the mountain’s tough terrain.

On Friday, December 6, the 55km race will start at 7 AM from the Imti archaeological site in Izki. Competitors will run through the region’s orchards, ascend the Green Mountain trails, and pass through picturesque villages, finishing in Birkat Al Mouz after 14 hours. Later that evening, the 20km race will start in Birkat Al Mouz, offering participants a challenging climb of nearly 500 meters.

In addition to the main races, the event will feature a supporting exhibition to promote small and medium-sized enterprises related to sports and nature. The exhibition will run for five days, highlighting the intersection of sports, economy, and tourism. On Friday evening, shorter races of 10km and 5km will take place for adults, while Saturday will be dedicated to children’s races, with distances of 1km, 2km, and 4km, encouraging younger generations to engage in sports.

Organised by Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the race has garnered support from prominent sponsors including Petroleum Development Oman as the gold sponsor, Golden Tulip Hotel as the silver sponsor, and Sohar Aluminium as the bronze sponsor.

The Himam Trail Run Race aims to showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Oman while promoting sports tourism and supporting the local economy. With its growing international profile, the event is expected to attract significant media attention, further establishing Oman as a premier destination for mountain sports and adventure tourism.

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