MUSCAT : Held across the golden sands of Bidiya in the North Sharqiyah Governorate, the five-day endurance event will run until January 14, drawing elite and amateur runners from dozens of countries around the world.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency, Saeed bin Mohammed Al Hajri, General Supervisor of the Oman Desert Marathon and President of the Oman Athletics Federation, said the 2026 edition reflects Oman’s growing stature on the global sports calendar. He noted that the marathon uniquely combines extreme athletic challenge with the natural beauty of Oman’s desert landscape, making it one of the most distinctive desert races worldwide.

Al Hajri highlighted that the Oman Desert Marathon has become the first event in the Middle East to receive accreditation from SheRACES, a global initiative that promotes fairness, inclusion, and gender parity in sports. The accreditation, he said, confirms the marathon’s commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants throughout the competition.

The marathon is designed as a true test of endurance, with runners navigating shifting terrain that includes soft sand, towering dunes, and open desert tracks, alongside sharp temperature variations between day and night. These demanding conditions, Al Hajri explained, place the race among the world’s most challenging and respected desert endurance events.

Beyond competition, the event aims to boost sports tourism, support the local economy, and showcase Oman’s rich desert biodiversity, while reinforcing sport as a healthy and sustainable lifestyle choice. The marathon is also expected to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and enhancing Oman’s global presence in adventure sports.

The race will start from Al Wasil village in the Wilayat of Bidiyah, with competitors crossing vast desert routes through the Sharqiyah Sands before concluding on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Qahid village in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, South Sharqiyah Governorate. The main desert running route spans 165 kilometres, while a 100-kilometre desert walking route will also be staged, both spread across five demanding stages.

Held as part of the annual North Sharqiyah Winter events, the marathon will take place under favourable winter conditions and feature a wide-ranging programme suitable for all ages and abilities. Alongside the long-distance races, the event includes a two-kilometre children’s race, a five-kilometre race for youth and families, a 10-kilometre cross-country race, a 21-kilometre half marathon, and a full 42-kilometre marathon for professionals and amateurs.

Al Hajri confirmed that preparations are progressing in line with the highest international standards, with comprehensive logistical and medical support in place to ensure participant safety. The event will also feature cultural and heritage activities, offering visitors a holistic experience that blends sport, culture, and tourism.

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