Muscat – A major new addition to Oman’s sporting calendar will debut this December as Jebel Sifah hosts the first edition of the Sifah Ultra Marathon on 19 December 2025. Designed to blend sport, nature and community spirit, the event is set to spotlight the beauty of Jebel Sifah’s coastal landscapes while supporting national ambitions for sports tourism under Oman Vision 2040.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains, coastline and open trails, the Sifah Ultra Marathon will feature five race categories: 50km, 10km, 5km, a Fun Run and a Kids Race. The event welcomes elite runners, recreational athletes and families, with a prize pool of up to OMR 6,000 and a lively Race Village offering entertainment, food and family activities.

Just 40 minutes from Muscat, Jebel Sifah—developed by Orascom Development and Omran—is one of Oman’s leading coastal destinations. Its pristine beaches, panoramic sea views and modern amenities provide a compelling setting for major regional and international sporting events. With a 9-hole golf course, bustling marina, diverse dining options and boutique retail offerings, the destination aims to transform the Ultra Marathon into a full immersive experience where sport, nature and coastal living meet.

Jebel Sifah also offers a range of freehold residential properties, alongside its boutique hotel, Sifawy, known for delivering authentic Omani hospitality.

Developed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in partnership with Jebel Sifah, the event reflects a shared commitment to expanding high-impact sports initiatives that encourage active living and position Oman as a regional hub for endurance sports. It aligns with efforts to promote youth engagement, enhance community wellbeing and use sport as a platform for tourism growth and economic diversification.

Engineer Ashraf Nessim, the newly appointed CEO of Muriya—the developer behind Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah—said the event underscores the destination’s growing influence in shaping Oman’s sports tourism landscape.

“Hosting the Ultra Marathon at Jebel Sifah reflects our commitment to promoting wellness, active living and community engagement, which form key pillars of Oman Vision 2040. As a growing hub for sports tourism, Jebel Sifah is helping redefine integrated lifestyle destinations that support sustainable economic growth and enrich Oman’s tourism offering,” he said.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Amri, General Manager of Sports Activities at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the event will enhance Oman’s presence on the global sporting map.

“The Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon promotes a culture of wellness among youth while showcasing the country’s natural beauty. Initiatives of this scale support the long-term objectives of Vision 2040,” he said. The Ministry added that the inaugural edition sets the foundation for developing the event into a major annual sporting platform.

Ali Al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports, said the marathon highlights how sport can drive national progress.

“We are proud to support an event that reflects Oman’s bold vision for sport, tourism and development. The Jebel Sifah Ultra Marathon connects people with Oman’s landscapes, inspires healthier lifestyles and contributes to economic diversification,” he said.

Registration for the event is now open via @jebelsifahrace.