Oman Desert Marathon

Oman Desert Marathon

10-14 January 2026
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    Photo: Ian Corless

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      races

      OMAN DESERT MARATHON

      A Journey Through Tradition and Culture

      Experience the thrill of a lifetime by participating in the Oman Desert Marathon, a prestigious event that challenges runners to traverse the stunning landscapes of the Omani desert.

      ODM Classic

      165Km

      Five stages of 42 km, 32 km, 40 km, 30 km and  21 km and five different perspectives of one of the most beautiful deserts of the world. A unique journey to discover the most remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert.

      ODM Hike

      100Km

      This multi-day hike is the opportunity to explore endless rolling sand dunes, and investigate the desert on foot.  The Wahiba Sands are one of the most spectacular experiences Oman has to offer.

      Al Sharqyah Marathon

      42Km

      Starting from the Oasis of Al Wasil, Al Sharqyah Marathon marathon is the previous step if you are thinking of running an ultra marathon on sand.

      Bidiyah Half Marathon

      21Km

      Starting from the Oasis of Al Wasil, the half marathon is the next step after having previous ran in the desert, getting deeper in the desert in the company of the 42 km runners and runners of The Oman Desert Marathon Classic.

      Al Mintrib Cross Country

      10Km

      The 10KM distance is long enough to represent a challenge but short enough to remain accessible for a less experienced runner. A good race for enthusiasts that want a little taste of the desert, a good experience.

      Al Wasil Family Run

      5Km

      Whether you are walking or running, enjoy a fun day out with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded people and remember it is a race for all abilities.

      Oman Kids Run

      2Km

      Kids love to run, why not harness that energy in the desert? Fresh air, exercise, and exploration are just a few of the benefits children can experience when they spend time outdoors.

      Night
      race

      5Km

      This event brings the magic of our renowned Oman Desert Marathon’s night stage to Muscat, allowing participants to discover what it feels like to run in the desert after dark.

      Where Desert Dreams Meet Omani Heritage

      Our carefully designed 165km route tells the story of Oman itself. Beginning in the crimson dunes of Bidiya Oasis, you’ll traverse the magnificent Al Wasil area following the same ancient caravan paths that connected civilizations for centuries, before reaching your triumphant finish at the Arabian Sea.

      Each stage—42km, 32km, 40km, 30km, and 21km—reveals a different face of this extraordinary landscape. More than physical endurance, ODM offers cultural immersion where legendary Omani hospitality transforms every challenge into connection, every mile into memory.

      about

      why

      why the ODM

      Participating in the Oman Desert Marathon is not just about the physical challenge; it’s an immersive cultural experience. The race route passes through areas inhabited by the Local Bedouins, offering insights into the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

      Self Sufficiency

      Each runner must be self-sufficient, as they are required to carry all their equipment, sleeping bag, as well as everything they need for five days, except for water that will be provided at the checkpoints every 10 km.

      Safety

      The Oman Desert Marathon offers the utmost in safety and personal attention to all runners, by constantly monitoring the runners, ensuring that everyone is on the right track and providing assistance quickly.

      Course Design

      An opportunity for the runners to enjoy a variety of landscapes, consisting of the high and flat sand sea to give the runner an integrated desert experience, including also the night stage, during which the athletes will enjoy the magic of the desert illuminated by the stars

      Great VAlue

      Once in Oman, the runner will be a dear guest to the hearts of Omanis. Before and after the race guest runners will be welcomed into the marathon camp, with warm hospitality and authentic Omani coffee, where accommodation will be provided, food and transportation.

      reviews

      What our runners are saying

      4.6

      5/5

      Based on 27 reviews

      Chris L.
      My first Half in the desert and I loved it. What a fantastic event. The help with transportation was especially appreciated before the event and also after helping introduce me to a driver back to the airport. It made for a great day out! Hard work and lots of sand....
      Veronique M.
      Wonderfull race for an immersion in a sandy unlimited desert. Navigation day and night was perfect. Comfortable base camp with shower !! Tougher than expected, but i loved it because of the scenery i discovered.
      Jota N.
      It was a great experience to participate in this event. Big compliments to the friendly staff. They made the difference
      Hayam E.
      The organization was impeccable and the race course was absolutely stunning. This was by far one of the best experiences of my life. Wouldn't change anything about it!
      Adam M.
      I love Oman, it’s people and it’s beauty. I brilliant multi stage event for beginners as well as for the more experienced. I was so lucky to have a great tent with people who I still keep in contact with now. I can’t recommend this event enough!
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      ODM is an acreddited she races event

      At the Oman Desert Marathon, we understand that choosing to participate in a desert ultra-running event, especially in an unfamiliar country, requires trust. We want every woman to feel completely confident and supported from the moment she registers until she crosses our finish line. Here’s our comprehensive commitment to your safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

      News

      latest event news

      Epic Start to the 2025 Oman Desert Marathon with 42km First Stage

      The 2025 Oman Desert Marathon launched today with an exhilarating first stage through the majestic Wahiba Sands. Under pleasant 24°C conditions, 30 athletes from seven nations tackled the challenging 42-kilometer…

      Stage 2 – 55 KM – The longest and hardest but also the most beautiful

      Stage Two – 55 km Results : https://my.raceresult.com/274879/results The longest and hardest but also the most beautiful. The morning started with a thick fog over the desert, runners moved slowly…

      Stage Three: The stars

      Stage 3: The stars https://my.raceresult.com/274879/results#1_18A696 Today, for the 47 km of the night stage, the runners were divided in three badges depending on their speed. The general feel at the runner’s…
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