Al Jawharat Resort in Bidiyah

The 2025 Oman Desert Marathon got underway today in Bidiyah, Oman with music, dancing and a lively atmosphere. Stage 1 of the 165km race also includes all the one day races of 2km, 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km taking part on the same track. It was most certainly a lively start!

Starting from the Oasis of Alwasil and finishing at Al Jawharat Resort in Bidiyah. The 2025 Oman Desert Marathon is a five stages of 42 km, 32 km, 40 km, 30 km and 21 km.

Five stages to experience the 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 while on the tracks of the ancient caravans.

Stage 1 at 42km’s was a tough first day. One thing is notable here in Oman is that the desert is pretty much ALL soft-sand which makes for very tough and tiring days.

The weather at this time of year is considered ‘mild’ by Omani standards,, however, the 25-deg highs surely took a toll on the runner’s during the stage.

The main protagonists of the day were Rachid and Mohamed El Morabity and Aziza Raji.

Aziza took the lead from the start and slowly but surely opened up a gap that just kept getting bigger as the day went on. Sally Ford and Lydia Oldham chased but were almost 45-minutes behind.

For Rachid and Mohamed, they played a waiting and watching game for the first 30km’s and then opened up the throttle to pull away. The main challenge, once again came from Ghaith Al Saidi and Saleh Al Saidi, brothers against brothers.

For Aziz, Rachid and Mohamed, there results were even more impressive as the trio only had approximately 3-hours sleep the night before after long travel and a 0300 arrival at the race hotel. I am sure they will sleep well tonight!

For the other participants, it was a day of acclimation and hopefully taking the desert and conditions calmly, especially with 4 tough days to come.

Stage 2 at 10km’s less, I am sure will be welcomed with open arms.

Race results are HERE

Oman Desert Marathon website HERE

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It’s countdown time to the 2023 Oman Desert Marathon.

Now in its 8th edition, the Oman Desert Marathon will take place January 21^st to 24^th. A self-sufficient race, the race takes place over 4-stages with a total distance of 165-kms.

January offers excellent conditions for a desert adventure, with highs anticipated and 25-degrees and lows of 17-degrees.

A unique race, the route provides participants the opportunity to explore and discover untouched sands and the highest dunes of Oman while running 47, 55, 42 and 21km.

“The OMD, changed my perspective on ultra-marathon running for the better. The desert is magical and beautiful, but will test you mentally and physically to your limit, but you will be a better person from it. The OMD event should be on every runner’s calendar.” – Adam May.

Arrival in Oman will be on January 20^th with transfers to Al Jawharat Resort in Bidiyah. The afternoon will taken up with admin protocols and a race dinner.

Stage 1 – 47km
Satge 2 – 55km
Stage 3 – 42km
Stage 4 – 21km

Daily start times fluctuate and interestingly, Stage 3 has three starts, 1200, 1400 and 1600.

Stage 4 has an 0800 start with the race concluded by 1300 at the Al Jawharat Resort in Bidiyah resort. In the evening, an award ceremony and prize giving will take place.

The Runner’s

While Omani runner’s will make up the majority of the field, there are participants from Spain, France, Ukraine, Italy, Germany, Poland, Britain, Belgium, Switzerland and not surprisingly, Morocco will have the main contenders for overall victory.

King of the desert, Rachid El Morabity, 9x winner of the Marathon des Sables will once again lead the field and he is without doubt, the hot favourite for overall victory.

Rachid’s brother, Mohammed, will be his main contender and should Rachid have a bad day, his brother will be able to pounce.

For the women, desert specialist, Aziz Raji, also a winner of Marathon des Sables, will be the main protagonist not only for the female victory, but quite possibly, a highly-ranked overall placing.

How to follow:

Daily reports and images will be issued on this website (connection allowing) each evening and a full and detailed race summary will follow after January 24^th. On IG, @iancorlessphotography and @marathonoman

We look forward to welcoming you to the Oman Desert Marathon experience.

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