Oman Desert Marathon 2026 Brought Global Runners and New Milestones

Get ready for a wild ride across the dunes! The Oman Desert Marathon 2026 is back, bringing together top athletes and adventure seekers from all over the globe for five days of sandy action in North Sharqiyah. From January 9 to 14, runners will be taking on the golden sands of Bidiya, with plenty of fun, culture, and epic views along the way.

Runners conquered the dunes and shifting sands

This year’s marathon saw participants tackle everything from soft sand to towering dunes and open desert tracks, all while dealing with wild temperature swings between day and night. According to Saeed bin Mohammed Al Hajri, the event’s General Supervisor, the marathon is no walk in the park—it’s one of the world’s toughest desert races! Organizers made sure everything ran smoothly, with top-notch logistics and medical support to keep everyone safe and sound.

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Organizers raised the bar for inclusivity and adventure

The 2026 edition made history as the first Middle Eastern event to earn SheRACES accreditation, showing a real commitment to fairness and gender equality in sports. But it wasn’t just about the race—visitors got to dive into Omani culture with heritage activities, making the marathon a true blend of sport, tourism, and local flavor. The event also gave a boost to sports tourism and the local economy, while showing off Oman’s stunning desert biodiversity.

Participants finished epic routes and family fun runs

The main event kicked off in Al Wasil village, sending runners on a 165-kilometre journey through the Sharqiyah Sands, all the way to the Arabian Sea at Qahid village. Not up for the full distance? No worries—there was also a 100-kilometre walking route, plus races for all ages: a two-kilometre kids’ dash, a five-kilometre family run, a 10-kilometre cross-country, a 21-kilometre half marathon, and the classic 42-kilometre marathon. With something for everyone, the Oman Desert Marathon 2026 proved why it’s a must-do on the global adventure calendar!

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