challenge
Event Overview
- Dates : January 9-13, 2027
- Base Camp : Bediya Green Homes
- Total Distance : 165 km across 5 stages
- Format: Self-sufficient multi-stage desert race
Self Sufficiency Requirements
Runners must carry all mandatory equipment, a sleeping bag, and five days’ worth of supplies. Water is provided at checkpoints approximately every 10 km. The 165 km and 100 km challenges test both endurance and self-reliance.
STAGE BREAKDOWN & LOGISTICS
JANUARY 9TH - Arrival Day
- 09:00 – 11:00 : Welcome at Muscat Airport arrivals area
- 11:00 : Shuttle bus departure from airport
- 13:00 : Check-in & Lunch at Bediya Green Homes
- 16:30 : Bib distribution
- 18:30 : Race briefing
- 19:30 – 21:30 : Dinner and Cultural Talk
Cultural Talk
A local guest, an athlete, community figure, or person connected to the race shares an inspiring story about Oman or the challenge ahead. The aim is to educate runners about Omani culture or motivate them and inspiring before the race.
Guest speaker: to be confirmed.
JANUARY 10TH - STAGE 1
- 06:00 : Pre-race breakfast at Bediya Green Homes
- 07:00 : Transportation to race start line at Al Wasil
- 07:30 : Race start: Stage 1 begins (self-sufficiency period commences)
- 17:30 – 22:00 : Hot water available at camp
- 19:00 : Results posted on camp board
- 19:30 : Last runner estimated arrival
- 20:00 : Evening briefing and stage recap
- Checkpoints : Approximately every 10 km
Additional races on Stage 1 day
- 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and a 2 km kids’ race run simultaneously
- All races start at 07:30 except the kids’ race (07:45)
JANUARY 11TH - STAGE 2
- 04:45 – 06:15 : Hot water available
- 06:00 : Race start : Stage 2
- 13:00-22:00: Hot water available at camp
- 15:00: Last runner estimated arrival
- 18:00: Results posted on camp board
- 19:00: Evening briefing and stage recap
- Checkpoints: Approximately every 10 km
JANUARY 12TH - STAGE 3
- 04:45 – 06:15: Hot water provided
- 06:30: Race start : Stage 3
- 13:00-22:00: Hot water available at camp
- 16:00: Last runner estimated arrival
- 18:00: Results posted on camp board
- 19:00 : Evening briefing and stage recap
- Checkpoints: Approximately every 10 km
JANUARY 13TH - STAGE 4 : NIGHT STAGE
- 06:15: Hot water available (morning)
- 10:00: Hot water available (rest period before night stage)
- 15:00: Wave 1 start — slowest runners
- 16:00: Wave 2 start — mid-pace runners
- 17:00: Wave 3 start — fastest runners
- 02:00: Last runner estimated arrival; energy drinks and water provided
- Hot water provided throughout the night
Note : The wave start system ensures all runners finish within a similar timeframe, with slower runners starting first and faster runners last.
JANUARY 14TH - STAGE 5 : Final Stage
- 08:00 : Final stage start
- 13:00 : Finish line celebration at the Arabian Sea
- 15:00 : Transfer to Bediya Green Homes
- 17:00 : Arrival to Bediya Green Homes
- 19:30 : Dinner and event photo/video projection
- 20:30 : Official closing ceremony
JANUARY 15TH - DEPARTURE DAY
- 05:00 – 06:00 : Breakfast at Bediya Green Homes
- 06:30 : Transfer departs for Muscat Airport
- 08:00 : 1st shuttle arrives at Muscat Airport
- 08:15 : Transfer to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- 08:30 : 2nd shuttle arrives at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- 09:00 : Shuttle departs for Muttrah Souq
- 09:20 : 3rd shuttle arrives at Muttrah Souq
- 11:00 : Bus departs from Souq to airport
- 11:30 : Final shuttle arrives at Muscat Airport
Note : Runners visiting the Grand Mosque must arrange their own transport to the airport. Taxis are available outside the mosque and accept cash in Omani Rials only.
