A small stride for Oman…a giant leap for Arab women! Omani triathlete Reem al Harthy makes Ironman history in Barcelona, delivering a landmark moment for Omani women in global endurance sport

Omani triathlete Reem al Harthy has achieved a historic sporting milestone by becoming the first Omani woman to complete a full Ironman race, crossing the finish line at Ironman Barcelona 2025 in an impressive 11 hours and 40 minutes.

Held recently in Calella, Spain, the internationally recognised endurance showcase drew more than 3,200 athletes from 102 countries. Competitors pushed through a gruelling 226km challenge comprising a 3.8km open-water swim, 180km cycling route, and a full 42.2km marathon along the Mediterranean coast.

This was Reem’s first attempt at the full Ironman distance, following successful finishes in half-Ironman events in the Gulf region. Her Barcelona clocking places her among the strong amateur finishers in her category, highlighting both athletic efficiency and resilience.

Speaking exclusively to Muscat Daily, Reem described the moment as a deeply personal and national triumph. “This is not just about me,” she said. “It is a huge step for Omani sports and for showing what women in the region can achieve.”

Her Ironman ambition took root years ago when she stood as a spectator admiring the world’s strongest amateur athletes conquer the brutal three-discipline race. “I thought they were superheroes,” she recalled. “I always hoped one day I would be able to do it myself.”

Preparation for the event demanded unwavering commitment. Supported by a dedicated coach, she trained between 12–15 hours a week, while balancing her professional career and motherhood. Early morning workouts became routine to ensure evenings remained dedicated to family. “Balancing Ironman training with a full-time job and being present for my child was a major challenge, yet entirely worth it,” she said.

Despite a strong race execution, the marathon tested every ounce of physical and emotional reserve. “You have not truly experienced life until you have run a full marathon after cycling 180km,” she remarked with a smile. “The first half felt great, then fatigue hit hard. I wanted to stop so many times, yet the crowds shouting my name kept me moving.”

Representing the sultanate on a global sporting stage filled her with immense pride. Messages of support poured in from Oman throughout the race weekend. “People were tracking me from thousands of miles away. Their encouragement was overwhelming,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to the Mohammed al Barwani Group for sponsoring her Ironman campaign, enabling access to elite-level coaching and race preparation.

Reem’s accomplishment strengthens the sultanate’s growing presence in international endurance sport and complements national initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles, expand female participation in competitive athletics, and nurture emerging sporting talent.

She expressed her hope that her performance will motivate future athletes, particularly young Omani women, to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Her message emphasised perseverance, resilience, and the belief that goals once thought out of reach can be realised through commitment and hard work.

The historic finish in Spain marks the beginning of a more ambitious competitive trajectory. Reem is now setting her sights on future events, including potential qualification races for the Ironman World Championship, driven by a deep passion for the sport and a desire to continue breaking barriers.

Reem al Harthy’s Ironman success stands as a landmark moment for Omani sport and a powerful reminder of the heights that determination and national pride can achieve.

IRONMAN BARCELONA 2025 – KEY FACTS
• Location: Calella, Spain
• Distance: 226km total
 • 3.8km swim
 • 180km bike
 • 42.2km run
• Participants: 3,200+ athletes from 102 nations
• Reem’s Finish Time: 11:40:00
• Category: Amateur female age group