Muscat- Omani endurance athlete Hamed al Harthi is preparing to take on one of the most demanding races in global ultra-running: the Silk Route Ultra in Ladakh, part of Indian administered Kashmir. Covering 122km at altitudes reaching 5,400m, the event is officially recognised as the world’s highest ultra marathon, where runners face extreme temperatures, scarce oxygen, and punishing terrain.

Harthi will leave Oman on August 28 to begin a two-week acclimatisation period ahead of the race on September 11. Acclimatisation is critical at such elevations, where athletes must adapt not only to reduced oxygen but also to risks of altitude sickness, fatigue, and sub-zero conditions at night.

This will be Harthi’s second competitive run in Ladakh. In 2023, he successfully completed the Khardung La Challenge, a 72km event regarded as the highest marathon in the world. The Silk Route Ultra doubles that distance and presents an even harsher physical and mental test.

“The Silk Route Ultra is more than a race,” Harthi said. “It is a journey through extremes — of terrain, weather, and the human spirit. I approach it with humility, discipline, and respect for the mountains. I run not only for the finish line, but to inspire others in Oman and across the region to push boundaries and discover their potential.”

His entry into the Silk Route Ultra follows another achievement earlier this year in China, where he completed a 100km ultra marathon in the mountainous Chongli district, a venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The course was marked by steep ascents, narrow passes, and exposed stretches, demanding precise pacing and hydration management.

Harthi’s career is distinguished by his ability to combine endurance with exploration. In 2023, he became one of the few Arab runners to finish the UTMB Mont-Blanc in France, a 100-mile trail race considered the most prestigious event in the sport. He also completed a solo 560km run across Oman, traversing varied landscapes from the country’s borders to its coastline. Another of his feats includes ascending and descending Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, in just over 15 hours.

His achievements have encouraged a growing community of ultra runners in Oman and the wider GCC, with many seeing the sport as an avenue for personal transformation as well as athletic challenge.

Harthi is also helping shape the sport locally as a board member of the Himam Trail Run, Oman’s leading mountain running event. Scheduled for December, the next edition is expected to attract athletes from across the world to compete in the Hajar Mountains and explore Oman’s landscapes.

Supporters and enthusiasts will be able to follow Harthi’s progress in Ladakh through his official Instagram account (@hamedalharthy1), where he will share updates from the Himalayas.