Muscat – Dubbed as ‘Oman’s biggest race’ Al Mouj Muscat Marathon returns after a gap of nearly two years with the organisers revealing the details of the 2022 edition at a press conference on Tuesday.

Coronavirus pandemic forced the organisers to initially reschedule the 2021 edition to November this year but on Tuesday they announced that the popular race will now take place on February 11-12, 2022 at Al Mouj Muscat. The last edition of the marathon took place on February 21-22, 2020.

At the press conference, the organisers, represented by Al Mouj Muscat, Sabco Sports and Oman Sail, said that ‘such events highlight the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle’.

This would be the sixth time that Al Mouj Muscat has partnered with the marathon, based on a commitment to further contribution to sport tourism in the sultanate.

Nasser al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat said, “The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is a great match for our values to promote an active and healthy lifestyle for both residents and visitors of Al Mouj Muscat. In 2022, we expect runners from across Oman and around the world to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the destination and be a part of a festival which will cater to a variety of ages, fitness levels and experience.”

Oman Sail, which has been in the forefront in helping the marathon grow over the years, confirmed that they have handed over the hosting rights to Sabco Sports for a three-year deal. Sabco Sports is an Oman-based premier sports agency and will organise the 2022 marathon in close cooperation with Al Mouj.

Khamis al Jabri, CEO, Oman Sail said, “Oman Sail took over management of the annual Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in 2017 from Muscat Road Runners, and successfully
registered in excess of 10,000 runners from over 100 nationalities last year. It has planted the seeds of growth, nurturing its appeal with recognised international standards. Based on a commitment to benefit the local private sector we have handed over the management to leading sports entity, Sabco Sports.”

“Al Mouj Muscat Marathon has built a reputation and a loyal fan base within Oman, and we are confident that the upcoming edition will bring even more members of the community to start running and will also attract an international audience to visit Oman and experience an authentic experience,” he added.

The 2022 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon will feature seven race distances: Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km); 10km, 5km, 3km, 2km and 1km.
The Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km races will be held on February 11 (Friday), while the 5km and Kids’ races are scheduled to held the next day (February 12).
The organisers are working towards creating an environment where all safety protocols are in place during the event and in close coordination with the government authorities who are taking all measures to ensure COVID-19 is under control in the country by the end of the year.

The marathon will be open only to fully vaccinated participants.
Sayyid Aymen al Busaidi, vice-chairman of Sabco Group, said, “Sabco Sports and Sabco Group are proud to be working with Oman Sail and Al Mouj Muscat on continuing to build the Muscat Marathon into a world-class event that inspires the country to a healthier and more athletic lifestyle.”

All information about Al Mouj Muscat Marathon as well as registration details are available on www.muscatmarathon.om.