These rules are only for the ODM Classic 165km & ODM Hike 100KM Races only
Article. 1 : ORGANISATION
The desert marathon in the Sultanate of Oman is organized by “OMANIA ADVENTURE COMPANY LLC”, an integrated Omani company specializing in adventure activities and sporting event organization. The race will take place from January 10th to January 14th, 2026, in the Al Sharqiyah Region, Wilayat Bidiyah, located in the south-east of the Sultanate of Oman.
Article. 2 : EVENT DEFINITION
The Oman Desert Marathon offers two race formats:
- 165 km ODM Classic: A self-sufficient race covering 165 km over 5 stages
- 100 km ODM Hike: A self-sufficient hike covering 100 km over 5 stages
Both races follow the same format where runners must carry their own equipment, sleeping bag, and food throughout the adventure. The organization will provide tents, while competitors must bring their own sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Important Note: All rules, regulations, requirements, and procedures outlined in this document apply equally to both the 165 km ODM Classic and the 100 km ODM Hike unless specifically stated otherwise.
Article. 3 : ADMISSION CONDITIONS
Any person of any nationality aged 18 or over at the race start date is eligible to enter, provided they:
- Accept the race rules
- Provide a medical certificate confirming their ability to participate in this type of race
- Submit an ECG printout dated less than 30 days prior to the race
These documents must be uploaded to the personal folder that will be shared with each runner from a google drive account of the organization.
Article. 4 : KIT AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHECKS
A kit inspection and medical certificate verification will take place the day before the race starts at the race camp, at the time specified in the program. Participants must present themselves to race administrators and meet all administrative and technical requirements. Any participant failing to meet the required conditions may be eliminated from the race without refund.
Article. 5 : RACE SUSPENSION AND WITHDRAWALS
If the organizing committee deems it necessary due to security concerns and/or adverse weather conditions, the race may be stopped without prior notice.
Competitors wishing to withdraw from the race must inform the organizers and return their bib number.
Article. 6 : COURSE NAVIGATION
All participants must follow the route as marked by the organizers, staying within a maximum distance of 5 meters from the flags. Failure to comply may result in penalties of varying severity depending on the specific stage.
Course Marking System
- Day stages: The course will be marked approximately every 500 meters with clearly visible flags and markers
- Night stage: Solar-powered lights will be positioned every 50 meters, creating an illuminated pathway through the darkness. Each marker is strategically positioned to ensure the next light is always within sight, forming a continuous chain of guidance across the dunes
- Natural landmarks: Will serve as additional reference points throughout the course
- Visibility guarantee: Organizers ensure all markings remain visible at all times
Race Support and Guidance
The organization will provide daily briefings outlining route conditions for each stage and maintain constant monitoring of all runners throughout the race from fixed observation points to ensure no one gets lost. In the event of sandstorms, necessary advice and guidance will be provided.
Article. 7 : CHECKPOINTS
Checkpoints will be positioned at approximately 10 km intervals. These are mandatory passage points where each runner’s arrival will be recorded. Medical support will be available at every checkpoint for advice or treatment as needed. The medical team may withdraw a competitor if their condition presents a serious risk to their health and safety.
Article. 8 : WATER SUPPLY
Bottled mineral water will be provided at each checkpoint (approximately every 10 km) and at the base camp.
Article. 9 : RANKING
Category A: Individual Ranking
Daily race rankings are calculated by adding the time taken to complete each stage, minus applicable penalties. Overall rankings are calculated by combining times from all race stages.
Category B: Team Ranking
For teams, daily rankings are calculated by adding the times of each team member, minus applicable penalties. The team’s average time determines their ranking. Overall rankings are calculated by adding the team’s times from each stage. Teams must have at least 2 runners completing the race to be included in team rankings. Teams consist of a minimum of 2 members and a maximum of 4.
Category A+B: General Ranking
Daily general race rankings combine the stage completion times (minus applicable penalties) of all Category A and B runners. Overall rankings are calculated by adding times from all race stages.
Article. 10 : MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The carefully selected medical team includes sports medicine specialists who will be available throughout the race in designated medical assistance vehicles. They will be positioned daily at checkpoints and the finish line. The medical team will ensure that any participant suffering from physical or mental exhaustion is brought back to base camp for treatment and rest, or if necessary, transferred to a government hospital by ambulance. The medical team is authorized to disqualify any participant deemed physically unfit to continue the race or requiring vital medical care.
Article. 11 : INSURANCE
Each competitor must arrange assistance and repatriation insurance. The insurance certificate must be presented to administrators before the race starts. All competitors participate with full knowledge of the risks associated with this type of competition. Since participation is voluntary, the organizer requires participants to obtain their own accident and death insurance coverage.
Article. 12 : COMPULSORY EQUIPMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS
FOOD
Each competitor must carry sufficient food for 5 days, with a minimum of 3,000 calories per day (15,000 calories total).
SURVIVAL GEAR
- Sand gaiters
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Anti-venom pump
- Metal knife
- Antiseptic
- Signaling mirror
- Salt tablets or equivalent
- Whistle
- Space blanket
- 1 fully charged headlamp with spare batteries
- First aid kit including plasters, bandages, scissors, and ointment
- USD 91,03 in cash (35 OMR)
Article. 13 : WEATHER CONDITIONS
Average temperatures during this time of year are:
- 13°C at night
- 30°C during the day
Please note that midday temperatures can occasionally reach as high as 40°C (though this rarely occurs in January).
Article. 14 : REGISTRATION
ADMINISTRATIVE FILE
RACE FEE AND REGISTRATION
The race fee is non-refundable upon enrolment and can be paid as follows:
- Full fee from August
- Early bird pricing from registration opening until July 31st
- Discount for previous participants
- 10% discount for groups of eight or more
- Discounts may not be combined.
Registration Includes:
- Accommodation in indicated Desert Camp or Hotel before and after the race
- Meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) before and after the race (see program)
- Bus transfers from airport to Bidiyah (Desert) and from Bidiyah to airport, traditional Arab Market (Mattrah Souq), or Sultan Qaboos Mosque, then airport
- Accommodation during the race
- Bottled mineral water
- Technical and medical support
- Race medal and T-shirt
Note: Air transport not included
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
All registrations must be completed using the website link or as directed by the project manager. The organization will provide a folder for document uploads, or documents may be provided to the ODM representative in your country.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
By December 10th, 2025, you must submit:
- Medical certificate signed by a GP (download here)
- Valid passport image
- Assistance and repatriation insurance certificate
- Arrival and departure dates and times
Between December 11th, 2025 and January 8th, 2026, you must submit:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) conducted less than 30 days before race start (January 10th, 2026)
IMPORTANT: Since participant numbers are limited, the organization will accept entries based on available places and will only enroll those with complete administrative files. All documents must be uploaded before race day or brought physically to registration.
MEDICAL FILE
Participation in the Oman Desert Marathon requires a complete medical file containing:
- MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
- A standard medical certificate (download here) signed by a GP confirming clearance to participate
- The doctor must be informed of: the distance to be covered, average daily temperatures, and that participants will carry a 10-15 kg rucksack during the race
- Deadline: Upload by December 10th, 2025 to registrations@marathonoman.com
- ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG)
- Must be conducted less than 30 days prior to race start (after December 11th, 2025)
- The original document, dated and signed, must be presented during administrative and technical checks on January 9th, 2026
- Options for submission:
- Upload before January 8th, 2026 to registrations@marathonoman.com, OR
- Bring the original physically to registration on January 9th, 2026
- The ECG must be deemed valid by the organization
⚠️ MANDATORY REQUIREMENT: Failure to provide BOTH the medical certificate AND a valid ECG will result in immediate withdrawal from the race with forfeiture of the entire race fee. No exceptions will be made.
Article. 15 : CANCELLATION
Cancellations, refund requests, and race withdrawals must be submitted in writing to avoid misunderstandings. If cancellation notice is received 60 days or more before the event, a refund of total fees paid (minus bank fees) will be provided. Any withdrawal after midnight on November 21st will not be considered, and payment will not be refunded. We recommend all competitors obtain cancellation insurance coverage.
Article. 16 : PHOTO AND VIDEO COVERAGE
The organizers reserve all exclusive rights to images covering the Oman Desert Marathon. Participants acknowledge that organizers have exclusive rights to use individual or group photos or any images directly or indirectly related to the race. Use of video or photographic cameras to cover the race by participants, family members, or coaches is prohibited without prior organizing committee permission. Runners may not publish books or photos about the marathon without obtaining official organizer permission.
Article. 17 : SPACE RESERVED FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
Race numbers must be placed as instructed by organizers. Official sponsor names and logos must not be hidden. Participants may use other available clothing space for individual sponsors (excluding areas exclusively reserved for race numbers), such as T-shirts, shorts, socks, caps, and backpacks. However, the organization reserves the right to prohibit sponsorship deemed oversized, in direct competition with organizational partners, or for any other reason (without required justification).
Article. 18 : PRIZE STRUCTURE
165 Km ODM Classic
Male
| S | RANK | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | 800 OMR |
| 2 | 2nd | 600 OMR |
| 3 | 3rd | 500 OMR |
Female
| S | RANK | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | 800 OMR |
| 2 | 2nd | 600 OMR |
| 3 | 3rd | 500 OMR |
Teams
| S | RANK | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | 400 OMR |
| 2 | 2nd | 300 OMR |
| 3 | 3rd | 200 OMR |
Omanis
| S | RANK | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | 300 OMR |
| 2 | 2nd | 200 OMR |
| 3 | 3rd | 100 OMR |
General
| S | RANK | Throphy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | Throphy |
| 2 | 2nd | Throphy |
| 3 | 3rd | Throphy |
| 4 | 4th | Throphy |
| 5 | 5th | Throphy |
100 Km ODM Hike
Male
| S | RANK | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | 400 OMR |
| 2 | 2nd | 300 OMR |
| 3 | 3rd | 200 OMR |
Female
| S | RANK | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | 400 OMR |
| 2 | 2nd | 300 OMR |
| 3 | 3rd | 200 OMR |
Article. 19 : OMANIA ADVENTURE COMPANY LLC & COMMUNICATION
The race organizer reserves the right to modify the race schedule and/or course due to events beyond their control or for safety reasons. The race organizer may modify race rules if necessary, in which case competitors will be expected to accept these changes.
Article. 20 : PENALITES
- No medical certificate at medical control: ODM participation will be refused
- No identity card at administrative control: 30-minute penalty (participant must justify identity before event start at organizer’s discretion)
- Missing item from backpack contents list: 30-minute penalty for each missing object
- Improperly placed, missing, or illegible bib: 30-minute penalty for each offense
- Outside cut-off time during any race stage: Disqualification
- Missed control stations: 2-hour penalty
- Food, water, or assistance received from non-race organization sources: 3-hour penalty
- Receiving IV drip: Penalty at medical staff’s final discretion
- Discarding water bottles during race: 3-hour penalty to disqualification (all bottles are numbered)
Article. 21 : COMPETITOR’S DECLARATION
Each runner must report any medical contraindications or medications being taken to the medical team.
Each runner acknowledges they have informed themselves of medical contraindications that may affect their ODM participation and accordingly absolve the race organization (including medical and technical staff) of any responsibility for medical problems or injuries incurred during the event.
The organizing entity does not carry civil liability insurance. By acepting the race rules, and the waiver when registeringin the event, each participant confirms awareness of this fact and explicitly agrees not to hold the organizer liable or claim compensation in any way.
Article. 22 : MODIFICATION
The organizers reserve the right to modify these regulations at any time.