Oman Desert Marathon

Oman Desert Marathon

10-14 January 2026

Photo: Ian Corless

races

OMAN DESERT MARATHON

A Journey Through Tradition and Culture

Experience the thrill of a lifetime by participating in the Oman Desert Marathon, a prestigious event that challenges runners to traverse the stunning landscapes of the Omani desert.

Jawhara Kids Run

2 KM

Kids love to run, why not harness that energy in the desert? Fresh air, exercise, and exploration are just a few of the benefits children can experience when they spend time outdoors.

ODM Classic

165 KM

Five stages of 42 km, 32 km, 40 km, 30 km and  21 km and five different perspectives of one of the most beautiful deserts of the world. A unique journey to discover the most remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert.

ODM Hike

100 KM

This multi-day hike is the opportunity to explore endless rolling sand dunes, and investigate the desert on foot.  The Wahiba Sands are one of the most spectacular experiences Oman has to offer.

Al Sharqyah Marathon

42 KM

Starting from the Oasis of Al Wasil, Al Sharqyah Marathon marathon is the previous step if you are thinking of running an ultra marathon on sand.

Where Desert Dreams Meet Omani Heritage

Our carefully designed 165km route tells the story of Oman itself. Beginning in the crimson dunes of Bidiya Oasis, you’ll traverse the magnificent Al Wasil area following the same ancient caravan paths that connected civilizations for centuries, before reaching your triumphant finish at the Arabian Sea.

Each stage—42km, 32km, 40km, 30km, and 21km—reveals a different face of this extraordinary landscape. More than physical endurance, ODM offers cultural immersion where legendary Omani hospitality transforms every challenge into connection, every mile into memory.

about

why

why the ODM

Participating in the Oman Desert Marathon is not just about the physical challenge; it’s an immersive cultural experience. The race route passes through areas inhabited by the Local Bedouins, offering insights into the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Self Sufficiency

Each runner must be self-sufficient, as they are required to carry all their equipment, sleeping bag, as well as everything they need for five days, except for water that will be provided at the checkpoints every 10 km.

Safety

The Oman Desert Marathon offers the utmost in safety and personal attention to all runners, by constantly monitoring the runners, ensuring that everyone is on the right track and providing assistance quickly.

Course Design

An opportunity for the runners to enjoy a variety of landscapes, consisting of the high and flat sand sea to give the runner an integrated desert experience, including also the night stage, during which the athletes will enjoy the magic of the desert illuminated by the stars

Great VAlue

Once in Oman, the runner will be a dear guest to the hearts of Omanis. Before and after the race guest runners will be welcomed into the marathon camp, with warm hospitality and authentic Omani coffee, where accommodation will be provided, food and transportation.

reviews

What our runners are saying

4.6

5/5

Based on 27 reviews

Chris L.
My first Half in the desert and I loved it. What a fantastic event. The help with transportation was especially appreciated before the event and also after helping introduce me to a driver back to the airport. It made for a great day out! Hard work and lots of sand....
Veronique M.
Wonderfull race for an immersion in a sandy unlimited desert. Navigation day and night was perfect. Comfortable base camp with shower !! Tougher than expected, but i loved it because of the scenery i discovered.
Jota N.
It was a great experience to participate in this event. Big compliments to the friendly staff. They made the difference
Hayam E.
The organization was impeccable and the race course was absolutely stunning. This was by far one of the best experiences of my life. Wouldn't change anything about it!
Adam M.
I love Oman, it’s people and it’s beauty. I brilliant multi stage event for beginners as well as for the more experienced. I was so lucky to have a great tent with people who I still keep in contact with now. I can’t recommend this event enough!
Previous
Next

ODM is an acreddited she races event

At the Oman Desert Marathon, we understand that choosing to participate in a desert ultra-running event, especially in an unfamiliar country, requires trust. We want every woman to feel completely confident and supported from the moment she registers until she crosses our finish line. Here’s our comprehensive commitment to your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

News

latest event news

Epic Start to the 2025 Oman Desert Marathon with 42km First Stage

The 2025 Oman Desert Marathon launched today with an exhilarating first stage through the majestic Wahiba Sands. Under pleasant 24°C conditions, 30 athletes from seven nations tackled the challenging 42-kilometer…

Stage 2 – 55 KM – The longest and hardest but also the most beautiful

Stage Two – 55 km Results : https://my.raceresult.com/274879/results The longest and hardest but also the most beautiful. The morning started with a thick fog over the desert, runners moved slowly…

Stage Three: The stars

Stage 3: The stars https://my.raceresult.com/274879/results#1_18A696 Today, for the 47 km of the night stage, the runners were divided in three badges depending on their speed. The general feel at the runner’s…
Our Sponsors