Al Mouj Muscat Marathon and Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman have joined hands to promote Oman as an adventure sports destination, with the Marathon, slated to be held on January 26-27, as its key international run.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman has partnered with Sabco Sports to increase the reach of the event and promote Oman’s potential to become the next great sports and adventure tourism destination. 

According to a press statement by the ministry, scheduled on January 26-27, the event has grown to become Oman’s biggest run and now aims to capture a growing global audience seeking exciting tourism experiences.

Organised by Sabco Sports and hosted by Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premier destination and title sponsor of the event, there are five race categories to choose from ranging from 1 km, 2 km and 3 km Kids’ Runs to a half- and full marathon. All finishers will receive a tech t-shirt and a medal to celebrate their achievement.

The statement adds that as many as 12,000 runners of all ages are expected, with registrations flowing in from across the nation and around the world to experience the unique atmosphere of the race and spend a fun-filled weekend at Al Mouj Muscat.

First organised by Muscat Road Runners in 2012 with 135 competitors, Muscat Marathon has quickly grown in stature. In 2017, the event became known as the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon with Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premier lifestyle destination, Oman Sail and Muscat Road Runners joining forces.

The last edition hosted just under 12,000 runners competing in six race categories across a two-day festival of running. 103 different nationalities were represented, furthering the marathon’s reputation as the most iconic event on the Sultanate of Oman’s sporting calendar. 

“The tourism sector experienced remarkable growth in 2023, and we foresee the continuation of this positive trend. Sports tourism events constitute a fundamental strategic pillar embraced by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to enhance inbound tourist traffic to the Sultanate of Oman. The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon holds a prominent position in the ministry’s tourism calendar for 2024, serving as a catalyst for attracting international participants, alongside the active participation of local runners from across the Sultanate. Our enduring objective is to showcase Oman’s culture, beauty, and unique experiences, emphasising its capacity to host a diverse array of tourism events to appeal to various types of travelers. This event significantly contributes to promotional, economic, and social gains, leading to the diversification of the economy through sports tourism activities,’’ says Haitham bin Mohammed Al-Ghasani, the Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

‘‘We are very proud to partner with the Ministry of Heritage of Tourism and excited to introduce Oman to new audiences and encourage more people to visit this amazing country using the mass appeal of sport. With awe-inspiring nature, authentic charm and world class facilities, Oman continues to develop a reputation for being a vibrant destination for local and international tourists and can play a role in developing a thriving tourism sector in the coming years,” says Ali Al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports.

Registration is currently open in all five race categories with promotional rates available for a limited time through the official website.