Over 1,200 Competitors Set to Participate in 11th Oman Desert Marathon in Bidiyah

Bidiyah: Over 1,200 elite runners and endurance athletes are gearing up for the eleventh edition of the Oman Desert Marathon 2026, which is scheduled to begin this Saturday in the Wilayat of Bidiyah, North A'Sharqiyah Governorate. Participants from the Sultanate of Oman and more than 35 countries will compete in this prestigious event. According to Oman News Agency, Said Mohammed Al Hajri, the General Supervisor of the Oman Desert Marathon and Chairman of the Oman Athletics Association, revealed that the marathon is expected to surpass 1,300 participants, as registration remains open until the event's commencement. The marathon will start from Al Wasil Village in Bidiyah, leading competitors through the A'Sharqiyah sands and concluding at Qahid Village in the Wilayat of Ja'alan Bani Bu Hasan, South A'Sharqiyah Governorate. The marathon features a 165-kilometer desert running route and a 100-kilometer desert walking trail, both divided into five stages. Additional events include a 2-kilometer children's race , a 5-kilometer community race, a 10-kilometer cross-country race, a 21-kilometer half-marathon, and a full 42-kilometer marathon, catering to both professional and amateur athletes. The Oman Desert Marathon 2026 is not only a competition but also a showcase of Oman's ability to host international events, enhancing its reputation as a destination for desert sports and adventure. The event's international accreditation reinforces Oman's status in the global sports arena.