Registration for 11th edition of Oman Desert Marathon opens

Muscat: The Organising Committee of the Oman Desert Marathon has announced the opening of registration for its 11th edition, which will be held in the golden sands of Bidiyah, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, from January 10 to 14, 2026.

Running champions from around the world have confirmed their participation and desire to attend the upcoming edition of the marathon.

The Oman Desert Marathon has received international recognition and is considered one of the most prominent long-distance running events in the world.

The announcement follows the prominent coverage the race received in Runner’s World Germany, one of the world’s leading running magazines.

This coverage is a significant step that reinforces Oman’s position as the world’s leading desert running place and highlights its growing reputation as a premium destination for sports tourism and extreme endurance sports.

The Oman Desert Marathon has been accredited by the international organisation SheRACES. This recognition confirms that the marathon meets the highest international standards for inclusiveness in women’s participation in long-distance running races.

This certification addresses a significant gap in the sport, as women’s participation still does not exceed 16 percent, despite their significant superiority in many road and mountain races.

The Oman Desert Marathon is the first event in the Middle East to receive this unique accreditation. The international organisation SheRACES works to achieve equality by supporting organisers in providing a fair and inclusive sporting environment.

The accreditation affirms the marathon’s commitment to providing an experience where everyone feels supported throughout the race.