Muscat – The 11th edition of the Oman Desert Marathon 2026 will begin on January 10, taking runners across the golden sands of Bidiyah in North Sharqiyah Governorate.
The five-day event is expected to attract elite and amateur athletes from around the world for one of the region’s most demanding endurance races.
Saeed bin Mohammed al Hajri, Supervisor-General of the Oman Desert Marathon and Chairman of the Oman Athletics Association, said the marathon is scheduled to run from January 10 to 14.
He described the event as a unique sporting challenge that combines endurance racing with the natural beauty of Oman’s desert, drawing professional and amateur runners from dozens of countries.
Hajri said the Oman Desert Marathon is the first event in the Middle East to receive accreditation from She RACES, a global organisation that promotes equity in endurance sports. “The certification reflects the marathon’s commitment to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive environment for all participants throughout the race,” he said.
He explained that the marathon presents a distinctive test, with extreme temperature variations between day and night and constantly changing terrain, ranging from soft sand and towering dunes to open desert tracks. These factors add an adventurous dimension that places the event among the world’s most prominent desert races.
According to Hajri, the marathon aims to promote sports tourism, support the local economy and showcase the beauty and diversity of Oman’s desert environment, while encouraging sport as a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
The event is expected to see wide international participation, serving as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthening Oman’s global presence in adventure and endurance sports.
The race will start from Al Wasil village in Bidiyah, North Sharqiyah, with participants crossing varied desert routes through the Sharqiyah Sands before finishing on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Qahhaid village in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, South Sharqiyah.
The main desert running course covers 165km, alongside a 100km desert walking route, divided into five stages, posing a rigorous test of physical endurance and mental resilience.
Hajri said the marathon will take place amid the winter atmosphere of the annual North Al Sharqiyah winter events. In addition to the ultra-distance races, the marathon will feature a wide range of competitions, including a 2km children’s race, a 5km race for youth and families, a 10km cross-country race, a 21km half marathon, and a 42km full marathon for professionals and amateurs.
He noted that this diversity reflects the organisers’ aim of transforming the event into a community sports festival, following strong participation by men and women of different nationalities in previous editions.
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. Cultural and heritage activities will also be organised alongside the races, offering visitors a complete experience that blends sport, culture and tourism.
