With expanded inclusivity efforts in place for next year, the Oman Desert Marathon (ODM) has confirmed details for its 2026 edition, set to take place on January 10-14, 2026.
Positioned as a unique journey to discover remote, untouched sands and the highest dunes of the Omani Desert, the event blends technical racing, cultural immersion, alongside Omani hospitality across a desert-to-sea route.
The race promotes Oman as a destination for adventure tourism, drawing elite and amateur runners globally. Notable local participants include top athletes from the Royal Army of Oman, such as Hamdan Al Khatri, Saleh Al Saidi, and Ghaith Al Saadi, as well as civilian talents such as Khalid Al Jabri, all of whom have also competed internationally on the ultra running circuit.
The ODM organising team has a stated commitment to inclusivity, which is underlined by the July 10 premiere of ‘From Snow to the Desert’, a documentary about Spanish Paralympic athlete Pol Makuri, who completed the 165km race in 2024 as the first person with hemiparesis (loss of motor skills on one side of the body). Makuri’s team placed third overall in the 2024 edition.
Registration for this year’s event is being handled by event registration specialist njuko.
Rigel Cedeño, Oman Desert Marathon Project Manager, said “We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with njuko for the upcoming Oman Desert Marathon. The intuitive Njuko platform makes securing a desert adventure simpler than ever before.
“Seamless registration for an unforgettable experience. Your desert adventure awaits, and now registering for it is as smooth as the Omani dunes!”
There are two main desert crossing event options available for participants:
- 165km Classic Ultra – A five-stage self-supported ultra following ancient caravan routes from Alwasil Fort to the Arabian Sea.
- 100km Desert Hike – A non-competitive format along the same route, designed as an accessible desert adventure.
Additional race distances (42km, 21km, 10km, 5km, and a 2km kids race) will also be available in 2026.
The event, recently featured in Runner’s World Germany, has also earned SheRACES accreditation, reportedly becoming the only Middle East event with accreditation for female inclusion in ultra-running.
