challenge
2026 OMAN DESERT MARATHON
Event Overview
- Dates : January 9-15, 2026
- Base Camp : Bediya Green Homes
- Total Distance : 165 km 5 stages self-sufficient
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 : Dinner
- 20:30-21:30 : Cultural Talk : To be confirmed
STAGE BREAKDOWN & LOGISTICS
SELF-SUFFICIENCY PERIOD
Runners must carry all equipment, sleeping bag, and five days’ supplies. Water will be provided every 10km at checkpoints. The 165km & 100km challenge offers the authentic desert experience, testing not just endurance but true self-reliance.
Runners must carry all equipment, sleeping bag, and five days’ supplies. Water will be provided every 10km at checkpoints. The 165km & 100km challenge offers the authentic desert experience, testing not just endurance but true self-reliance.
JANUARY 10TH - STAGE 1 (40KM)
- 06:00 : Pre-race breakfast at Bediya Green Homes
- 07:00 : Transportation to race start line at Al Wasil
- 07:30 : Race starts: Stage 1 (Beginning of self-sufficiency period)
- 17:30-22:00 : Hot water provided
- 19:00 : Results posted on camp board
- 19:30 : Last runner arrival
- 20:00 : Evening briefing, stage recap
- Checkpoints : 3 (water & assistance every ~10 km)
- Special Notes :
- Multiple community races running simultaneously (42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, 2km kids race)
- All races start at 07:30 except kids race (07:45)
JANUARY 11TH - STAGE 2 (29KM)
Camp Daily Routine:
- 04:45-06:15 : Hot water provided
- 06:00 : Race starts
- 13:00-22:00: Hot water provided
- 15:00: Last runner arrival
- 18:00: Results posted on camp board
- 19:00: Evening briefing, stage recap
- Checkpoints: 2 (water & assistance every ~10- km)
JANUARY 12TH - STAGE 3 (30KM)
Camp Daily Routine:
- 04:45-06:15: Hot water provided
- 06:30: Race starts
- 16:00: Last runner arrival
- 13:00-22:00: Hot water provided
- 18:00: Results posted on camp board
- 19:00 : Evening briefing, stage recap
- Checkpoints: 2 (water & assistance every ~10 km)
JANUARY 13TH - STAGE 4 - NIGHT STAGE (45KM)
- 06:15: Hot water provided
- 10:00: Hot water provided (Morning rest before night stage)
- 15:00: Race starts for 1st group (slowest runners)
- 16:00: Race starts for 2nd group (middle-pace runners)
- 17:00: Race starts for 3rd group (fastest runners)
- Note : Wave start system ensures all runners finish within a reasonable timeframe, with slowest runners starting first and fastest runners starting last.
- 02:00: Last runner arrival, energy drinks/water provided
- Hot water provided throughout
JANUARY 14TH - STAGE 5 (21KM)
- 08:00 : Final stage start
- 13:00 : Finish line celebration at Arabian Sea
- 15:00 : Transfer to Bediya Green Homes
- 17:00 : Arrival to Bediya Green Homes
- 19:30 : Dinner & Event Pictures Projection
- 20:30 : Closing of event
JANUARY 15TH - DEPARTURE DAY
- 05:00-06:00 : Breakfast at Bediya Green Homes
- 06:30 : Transfer to airport
- 08:00 : Shuttle bus arrives at airport
- 08:15 : Transfer to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- 08:30 : Shuttle bus arrives at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- 09:00 : Shuttle departures to Souq
- 09:20 : Shuttle bus arrives at Souq
- 11:00 : Bus departures to airport
- 11:30 : Shuttle bus arrives at airport
Note : Runners staying at the mosque must arrange their own transportation to the airport. Taxis are available at the mosque and accept only cash in Omani Rials.
