Distance
Start Time
Cutoff
Terrain
Difficulty
A five-stage self-supported race through the Wahiba Sands worth 165 km in total, split into 42 km, 32 km, 40 km, 30 km and 21 km. Runners carry their own food and personal needs across the stages and sleep in open desert tents between them.
Five stages and five different perspectives of one of the most beautiful deserts in the world
A unique journey to the most remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani desert
Start in front of the historical forts and castle of Al-Wasil village
Green palm oases, nomadic grazing routes and open dune fields
A night stage under millions of stars
Finish at the Arabian Sea
Qualification
Start / Finish
In front of the historical forts and castle in the village of Al-Wasil, Wilayat of Bidiyah, Oman
The Arabian Sea
Terrain
Route
Expo
Race Day
Recovery
What to bring
Sand gaiters
Food and personal needs for the duration of the race
What you get
Finisher medal
Finisher t-shirt
Pre-race meal
Post-race meal
Massage
Shuttle to start line
Shuttle from airport
Drink stations
Medical assistance
Toilets
Shower
Accommodation
On the day
Toilets
Showers
Changing facilities
First aid on course
Before you enter
Other questions
The Oman Desert Marathon provides large tents for sleeping, where runners find shelter at the end of each stage. The tents are open on one side, so you are not sleeping in an enclosed space and fresh air can circulate.
Yes. Most of the course is on sand and the sand in Oman is mostly soft, so gaiters are not optional here. One competitor once left his behind, cut the sleeves off his night jacket after a single stage of struggling and used them as socks over his shoes. He finished, but said he would never forget the gaiters again.
The hike sets a manageable daily distance of about 20 km instead of ultra marathon distances, is walked at your own rhythm, is open to newcomers without ultra experience, and gives more time to rest and recover between stages.
Yes, the 100 km Hike is designed for newcomers with no ultra marathon experience, with roughly 20 km of walking each day. The 165 km Classic is a far bigger step and calls for real desert preparation.
You pay a 20 percent deposit of 300 EUR to secure your place through the registration platform. The remaining 80 percent of the full price of 1680 USD is paid directly to the organiser.
Bidiyah, Oman
Saturday, January 9, 2027
More races like this one
€300
entry fee