Muscat – The fifth edition of the Himam Mountain Running Race, the largest sporting event of its kind, will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Al Hamra, Oman. The event, featuring more than 4,000 participants, including over 1,000 professional runners representing 65 countries, will run until Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The race offers a global platform for athletes to test their physical and mental endurance amidst Oman’s unique natural landscapes and rugged mountainous terrain, making it a highlight for adventure sports enthusiasts.

The 110km race, known as the longest and toughest challenge, will commence at 7am in Al Hamra. Competitors will traverse the orchards of Al Hamra and Misfat al Abriyeen village, ascend to Sharaf al Alamein in the Eastern Mountains, and continue to Jabal Akhdar, navigating arduous mountain paths before reaching the finish line in Birkat al Mouz. The race spans 32 continuous hours, requiring participants to endure night-time runs through the challenging terrain of the Hajar Mountains.

On Friday, December 6, the 55km race will begin at 7am from the Imti archaeological site in Izki. Participants will pass through the state’s orchards, climb the trails of Jabal Akhdar, and finish in Birkat al Mouz after 14 hours of demanding competition. On the same day, a 20km race starting in Birkat al Mouz will see competitors ascending nearly 500 metres in elevation, offering a distinct experience from traditional flat-track running.

Supporting Events and Children’s Races

Additional races for 10km and 5km distances will take place on Friday evening, while Saturday will be devoted to children’s races, with distances of 1km, 2km, and 4km designed to encourage younger generations to embrace sports. An exhibition dedicated to promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in sports and nature will run for five days alongside the event.

Organised by Dakhiliyah governorate in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the event has garnered support from key sponsors, including Petroleum Development Oman as a gold sponsor, Golden Tulip Hotel as a silver sponsor, and Sohar Aluminium as a bronze sponsor.

The Himam Mountain Running Race aims to showcase Oman’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and challenging mountain terrain, while bolstering sports tourism and the local economy. With its growing international reputation, the event is set to attract extensive media coverage, further establishing Oman as a premier destination for mountain sports and adventure.