Oman Desert Marathon opens registration for 2026 edition
Oman's trailblazing desert marathon race has opened registration for its 2026 edition.
The organisers Omania Adventure are gearing up to host the desert race in the golden sands of the Wilayat of Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, where endless dunes meet the horizon. The 11th Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) is set to take place from January 10 to 14, 2026.
Over the years, the ultra-marathon has become far more than just a running competition.
Positioned as a unique journey to discover remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert, the event blends technical racing, cultural immersion, alongside Omani hospitality across a desert-to-sea route.
Registration is now open for multiple distances including marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km, 5 km and kids race. The announcement follows the race's prominent feature in the May issue of Runners World Germany, one of Europe's most prestigious running publications.
The extensive coverage in Runners World Germany represents a significant milestone for Oman's flagship ultra-running event, validating ODM's position among the world's most exceptional desert racing experiences. This international recognition highlights Oman's growing reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism and ultra-endurance sports.
Participants during the additional races. — Yahya al Hajri
RACE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
With expanded inclusivity efforts in place for next year, the ODM has confirmed details for its 2026 edition.
The 2026 edition features multiple challenging desert crossing options:
165 km Classic Ultra: A five-stage self-supported ultra-marathon following ancient caravan routes from historic Al Wasil Fort, culminating at the shores of the Arabian Sea.
100 km Desert Hike: An accessible introduction to desert adventure covering the same legendary route, also finishing at the sea.
Additional race distances — including 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 2 km kids race — are now open for registration, providing opportunities for runners of all abilities to experience the magic of Oman's desert landscape.
The race promotes Oman as a destination for adventure tourism, drawing elite and amateur runners globally.
Notable local participants include top athletes from the Royal Army of Oman, such as Hamdan al Khatri, Saleh al Saidi and Ghaith al Saadi, as well as civilian talents such as Khalid al Jabri, all of whom have also competed internationally on the ultra-running circuit.
CHAMPIONING FEMALE INCLUSION
The 2026 Oman Desert Marathon has earned SheRACES accreditation, providing official recognition that the event meets the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running.
This certification addresses a critical need in the sport, where despite women consistently excelling in trail and ultra races, female participation remains at only 16 per cent of race participants.
'As women, we face unique barriers and concerns that men don't even consider', mentions Rigel Cedeno, project manager and former participant of the Oman Desert Marathon.
'We are proud to make it easier for other women to discover both the raw beauty of the desert and their own incredible strength'.
With the support of Race Director Said al Hajri, the ODM is now a SheRACES accredited event — the only race in the Middle East to achieve this recognition.
An organiser during the 2025 edition of Oman Desert Marathon. — Ian Corless
DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE
The race's commitment to inclusivity was highlighted at an exclusive documentary premiere on July 10 in Barcelona, Spain. 'From Snow to the Desert' (Dela Nieve al Desierto), a compelling 25-minute documentary, chronicles the remarkable story of Pol Makuri, a Spanish Paralympic athlete with hemiparesis who became the first person with disabilities to complete the 165 km Oman Desert Marathon.
Pol and Albert were the first to test Salomon's revolutionary trail running shoe prototype in the real conditions of the Rimal Al Sharqiya during the Oman Desert Marathon 2024 edition.
'Pol's infectious enthusiasm and authentic storytelling reminded us exactly why we created ODM — to push boundaries, test limits and emerge stronger', said event organisers.
Makuri, competing alongside journalist Albert Jorquera in January 2024, finished third as a team in the demanding self-supporting stage race. Their achievement demonstrates that ODM's 'no runner left behind' philosophy genuinely extends to athletes of all abilities.
The premiere at the Teatre Ateneu d'Igualada offered a window into the raw beauty and harshness of the desert and into the profound human connection that arises when challenges are shared. A heartfelt discussion followed with both protagonists, joined by ODM's Said al Hajri along with Rigel Cedeno Gamarra — both of whom travelled from Oman to be present for this meaningful celebration of human perseverance.
The documentary can be watched on YouTube under the name 'Dela Nieve al Desierto' with subtitles available in English and Arabic.
The documentary was made possible thanks to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology — Sultanate of Oman and the Oman Desert Marathon dedicated team.
Pictures by Ian Corless
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