womens
safety
Your Safety and Comfort Matters:
A Message to Our Female Athletes
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.
Oman: A Haven for Female Travelers
Oman is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travelers. The Omani culture deeply respects women, and you'll find the local people incredibly welcoming and helpful. Our event takes place in this secure environment, giving you the freedom to focus entirely on your running goals.
Seamless Transportation
From the moment you land at Muscat International Airport, we've got you covered. Our project manager herself will welcome you and guide you to the shuttle bus. Our private, comfortable buses provide direct transportation to the race venue and back to the airport. No worrying about navigation, language barriers, or finding reliable transport – just sit back, relax, and connect with fellow runners on your journey.
24/7 Support from Women Who Understand
Always Here to Listen
Our female project manager and dedicated team of female volunteers are your advocates throughout the entire experience. We are continuously working to improve our gender-balanced volunteer team to ensure female participants always have women to turn to for support. Whether you have pre-race questions, need support during the event, or want to share feedback afterward, we're here to listen and help. We understand the unique considerations female athletes face, and we're committed to addressing them.
Your Voice Drives Change
We actively seek feedback from every female participant. Your experiences help us continuously improve and remove barriers for future female athletes. Every suggestion matters, and every concern is addressed seriously.
SheRACES Accredited Event
We’re proud to be a SheRACES accredited event – official recognition that we meet the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running.
Despite women outright winning trail and ultra races, the majority of participants remain men, with only 16% of race participants being female in 2018. SheRACES exists to level the start line by helping event organizers understand how to make their events more inclusive, supporting brands to sponsor events that meet minimum guidelines for female athletes, and helping athletes of all levels choose races that give equal opportunities and fair experiences.
Our accreditation means we’ve demonstrated our commitment to removing barriers and creating an environment where every woman can thrive – from registration to finish line celebration
Practical Support When You Need It Most
Period Products Always Available
We understand that nature doesn’t follow race schedules. Period products are freely available at all our facilities – no need to ask, no need to worry. We’ve got you covered so you can focus on your performance.
Nursing Mother Support
For mothers who are breastfeeding, we can carry your breast pump during the race if needed, so you don’t have to carry the extra weight. Just let us know your requirements during registration and our support team will ensure your equipment is available when you need it.
Private Facilities in the Desert
Our desert camp features:
- Separate, private toilet facilities for women
- Dedicated female changing areas
- Female only shower facilities with complete privacy
- Clean, well-maintained facilities throughout the course
- Spacious tents with good ventilation and enough space for you to open your arms and touch no-one
- Option for female-only tents – if you do not want to share a mixed tent, you can be in a female-only tent, let us know in registration by clicking the box
Your Safety is Our Priority
Constant Monitoring Without Compromise
While we don’t use GPS tracking devices, we maintain comprehensive oversight of every runner’s location and progress through:
- Regular patrol teams monitoring the entire course
- Drone surveillance for enhanced safety coverage
- Strategic checkpoint monitoring
- 24/7 communication systems between all support teams
Night Stage Safety
Our overnight desert sections are carefully managed with enhanced safety protocols:
- Increased patrol frequency during night hours
- Illuminated support stations
- Constant radio communication between teams
Emergency response teams on standby
We Want Every Runner to Succeed
Flexible Cut-Off Times for Everyone
At ODM, we believe in the “here-to-finish” mentality. Our cut-off times are designed to be achievable for dedicated participants, and we maintain flexibility to support every runner’s journey. We understand that desert conditions can be unpredictable, and everyone deserves the chance to complete their challenge.
No Runner Left Behind
Our commitment goes beyond just monitoring – we actively support every participant to reach the finish line. Our support team regularly accompanies the final runners, providing encouragement, companionship, and practical assistance. Whether you’re walking, running, or taking a steady pace through the dunes, we’ll be right there with you until you safely reach camp.
Personal Support When You Need It Most
For many runners, the fear of being last or not finishing within strict time limits can be a significant barrier. At ODM, we eliminate this worry. Our team has walked alongside countless runners during those final challenging kilometers, sharing stories, providing motivation, and ensuring no one faces the desert alone. Your finish is our finish – we celebrate every single completion.
What Makes ODM Perfect for Women
Self-Sufficient Adventure with Full Support
You'll carry your own equipment and sleeping bag for the 5-day, 165km journey (water provided every 10km), giving you the authentic desert experience while maintaining complete independence. This self-sufficiency builds incredible confidence - many female participants tell us it's empowering to know they can handle everything the desert throws at them.
Comprehensive Safety Network
Our integrated Omani crew provides continuous monitoring and support, backed by full government cooperation. You're never truly alone in the desert - our team ensures everyone stays on track and provides immediate assistance when needed. The combination of traditional Omani hospitality and professional race management creates a secure environment where you can focus on your personal challenge.
Cultural Safety and Respect
Oman practices Ibadism, a peaceful form of Islam emphasizing tolerance and pacifism. This creates an exceptionally safe environment for women, with very low crime rates and a culture of respect. Omani people are naturally welcoming and polite, making solo female travelers feel genuinely secure throughout their stay.
Varied Desert Experience
Our course takes you through diverse landscapes - from high sand dunes to flat desert plains - including a magical night stage under the stars. This variety keeps the experience engaging and allows you to discover different aspects of your strength and endurance. The night stage, while challenging, offers a unique perspective that many female participants describe as transformative.
Perfect for Every Level
Whether you're an experienced ultra-runner using ODM as training for longer desert races, or a newer runner wanting to experience desert life without extreme distances, our event welcomes all capabilities. Many women find this 165km format the perfect introduction to multi-stage desert racing.
Exceptional Value and Hospitality
Once you arrive in Oman, you become our honored guest. We provide accommodation, authentic Omani meals, transportation, and warm hospitality throughout your stay. This comprehensive package removes the stress of travel logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on your race preparation and experience.
Celebrating Women in Desert Running
Local Women Leading the Way
We’re incredibly proud that Omani women are embracing ultra-running and joining our event. Their participation inspires us and demonstrates the inclusive, empowering environment we’ve created. We’re actively working to encourage even more local female participation, especially in our ultra-distance categories.
Building a Community
When you join ODM, you become part of a growing community of strong, determined women who support each other’s goals. From first-time desert runners to experienced ultra-athletes, every woman has a place here.
Life Happens – We Understand
Pregnancy Support Policy
If you discover you’re pregnant after registering, don’t worry about losing your investment. We offer:
- Free transfer to any future ODM event within two years
- Athlete transfer option – pass your entry to another qualified runner
- No additional fees regardless of future price changes
- Simple process – just contact us with medical confirmation
Ready to Take on the Desert?
Your safety, comfort, and success are our top priorities. We’ve created an environment where you can push your limits while feeling completely secure and supported.
Questions? Concerns? Ideas?
Contact our female project manager directly at Rigel@marathonoman.com. We’re here to ensure your Oman Desert Marathon experience exceeds your expectations.
Join the growing community of women who are redefining what’s possible in desert ultra-running. The dunes are calling – are you ready to answer?
Join the ODM Desert Racing Family
“At Oman Desert Marathon, removing barriers to women in trail running isn’t just our mission – it’s our promise to every female athlete who trusts us with their desert dreams.”