Muscat – Participants from 20 countries, runners travelling from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, an age range spanning 13 to 65 years, 29% women and 71% men, and 53% Omani nationals – these highlights set the tone for a high-energy night as Qurum Corniche transformed into an endurance arena for the Ultra 5K Race 2025 on Friday.
Now in its third edition since its launch in 2023, the night-time race unfolded along Muscat’s iconic waterfront, drawing athletes, fitness enthusiasts and spectators alike. As the corniche lit up under floodlights, runners from diverse backgrounds took on the challenge while passers-by paused to cheer, clap and interact with athletes and volunteers, creating a lively, festival-like atmosphere.
The Ultra 5K stood out for its unique multi-lap endurance format, testing not just physical strength but also mental resilience. Participants completed repeated 5km loops, returning to the same start-finish point lap after lap. This allowed spectators to closely follow the race, building anticipation and excitement as athletes pushed through fatigue deep into the night.
Competition was intense across all categories. In the 11×5km race, Ben Talha Majdid of Algeria claimed the men’s title, while Nympha Propios of the Philippines emerged victorious among women. The 8×5km category saw Omani runners dominate, with Abdullah al Shammakhi winning the men’s race and Reem al Riyami taking the women’s crown. In the 5×5km (25km) distance, Vibin Dhas and Lydia Stalin, both from India, secured top honours.
The event was powered by Muscat Road Runners and supported by Nescafé, Al Abdalla Restaurant, the Oman Athletics Association and Oman Kickboxing Club, whose collective efforts ensured smooth organisation and strong community engagement.
