Omani trail runner Hamed al Harthi will take up a 560km ‘Border to Coast’ challenge from March 13 to spread awareness on fitness and charity

Hamed al Harthi, a 63 year old trail runner, believes that a new phase of life begins after 60… And he is out to chart new horizons for himself by taking on challenges that not only bring out the best in him but also take him face to face with new truths of life.
“For some people, life begins at 40, for some at 50, 60, and for yet a few even at 80. This is a new phase of my life but I have a long association with running right from the 70s when I was a national athlete in the long distance running team,” says Hamed who has over the years represented Oman in many prestigious events, including the Asian Games in1982.
Considered one of Oman’s best and most experienced trail runners, Hamed has set himself the daunting challenge of running 560km in seven days. Starting from Um Zumul, the border town where Oman meets the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, on March 13, he aims to arrive in Sur by March 19. This solo expedition is in aid of Donate.om – Oman’s donation portal for charitable organisations.
“I have always been passionate about challenging myself and inspiring others through running. The Border to Coast event is an opportunity to engage with runners from across the country and raise awareness of the sport in each governorate, while raising funds for charitable causes within Oman. It is a unique challenge across the entire width of our nation, covering a variety of different surfaces and communities, and I hope to see many more runners along the way as they come together to share this journey with me,” says Hamed.

Preparation and plans
“I have been preparing for this expedition since the past six months. Such expeditions need a combination of mental and physical preparation, besides getting the logistics arranged,” disclosed Hamed, explaining, “I will be running non-stop, between 155-160km everyday, and I will only take one-hour breaks for sleep every 24 hours. I have been practising what is known as ‘sleep deposit’ – sleeping 7-8 hours for days before the expedition as a back up for endurance during the expedition.”
Hamed, hopes to complete his expedition within 5 days, though he has set a seven-day target. He is also aware of the many pitfalls in running non-stop, without adequate breaks – one of which is the possibility of hallucinations and is gearing up to avoid them. Having experienced hallucinations during past expeditions, he knows that the key to overcoming these is taking short, 15-minute power naps in between.
The route he has chosen will pass through the village of Al Khuwayr in the Al Dhahira Governorate, Uwayfiyah, and Adam – the halfway point of the journey. From there, he will head to Al Mudhaibi and Al Qabil, in North Al Sharqiya Governorate, and then proceed to Sur. The journey offers varied challenges of different terrains, landscapes and temperatures to contend with.
Hamed will be accompanied several running enthusiasts in each governorate en route, besides receiving assistance from a technical and logistics team that will help his stay safe and on track. The trail runner also has able backing for his expedition from Dhofar Insurance.
Hamed has spent a good part of his life running for fitness as well as for deserving causes, including some of the most challenging races in the world. In 2018, he competed in OMAN by UTMB and in 2019, he took part in Ushuaia by UTMB in Argentina. Also, after a break in 2020 due to the current pandemic, he participated in UTMB Mont-Blanc as well as reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021.
As a contingency plan, Hamed says, if he faces any hurdle like a major medical emergency – like a serious injury or any other condition due to running in the heat, he would have to abandon his trip. The support team will be carrying food, water, and first aid but there is no doctor in the team to help out in case of any emergency.
The twin messages that Hamed will be propagating through this trip is – making fitness a way of life and being open to charitable causes. He hopes that the younger generation, and the not so young, would be inspired by his initiative as a trail runner.

That’s Hamed

Best moment in life: Accomplishing my first UTMB run in 2018 when I was clueless about everything.

Most difficult time: My first climb of Mt Kilimanjaro 2007 – 15 hours up and down – a unique record.

Most sad moment: When I lost my brother in 2011 – he was my partner for adventures.

Biggest challenge: During a race in France, when my watch stopped and I had to take short cuts to complete on time.

Biggest supported: My wife and kids, they support me when I take up any adventure

Unfulfilled dream: Ten years ago I wanted to climb Mt Everest, but I did not get sponsors for it.

Favourite city: Buenos Aires (Argentina) because of its history and heritage

Recurring fear: The fear of death – especially when I’m in the midst of mountains

To me fitness is… Wealth! If you are fit, it is the biggest blessing from God.