Muscat – The Himam Trail Run Race 2025 is poised to take on a distinctly international character this year, with more than 4,500 athletes from 68 countries set to descend on the rugged terrain of the Al Hajar Mountains. Final preparations are now complete for the three-day event, which will take place from December 11 […]

Muscat – The Himam Trail Run Race 2025 is poised to take on a distinctly international character this year, with more than 4,500 athletes from 68 countries set to descend on the rugged terrain of the Al Hajar Mountains. Final preparations are now complete for the three-day event, which will take place from December 11 to 13.

Months of planning have gone into fine-tuning routes across the Al Hajar range, coordinating medical and rescue teams, and ensuring seamless multi-agency support across all race categories, a press release stated.

The action begins on Thursday with the flagship Al Hajar ULTRA 120km, the most demanding challenge of the series. Starting in Al Hamra, the course climbs historic mountain pathways towards the heights of Jabal Akhdar before descending into Birkat al Mouz. Renowned for steep elevation gains, narrow technical passages and centuries-old farming trails, the route continues to attract top global endurance athletes alongside experienced amateurs.

On Friday, the Skyward Canyon 60km sets off from Izki, taking runners through rugged canyons and exposed ridgelines of the central Hajar range. The day also features the newly introduced Old Capital Trail 35km in Nizwa, connecting participants to one of Oman’s most historic cities. Later in the afternoon, the Scenic Sprint 20km starts from Birkat al Mouz, offering panoramic views of terraced farms, date-palm oases and traditional mountain villages.

Organisers confirmed that preparations have reached an advanced stage, with all routes undergoing detailed inspections by medical, logistics and operations teams. Course markings, aid stations and emergency procedures have been fully reviewed, supported by simulation drills to ensure readiness for race week.

This year’s edition boasts one of the strongest elite fields to date. In the 120km men’s category, the line-up features global ultra-endurance names including Morocco’s Rachid el Morabity, multiple Marathon des Sables champion; France’s Theo Detienne and Clement Deffrenne; Iran’s Mohammad Reza Jelodar; Jordanian ultrarunning veteran Salameh al Aqra; and Egypt’s Omar el Sawi.

The women’s 120km field includes defending Himam champion Maite Mayora of Spain, a podium finisher at Transgrancanaria and Val d’Aran by UTMB, along with China’s Wenfei Xie, recognised for her strong performances across Asia’s technical mountain terrain.

The 60km event will see participation of elite athletes such as Vlad Ixel of Australia and Russia’s Navil Shaimukhametov.

Oman’s elite presence is also significant, with leading national athletes Hamdan al Khatri, Khalid al Farsi, Khalid al Hatmi, Saleh al Saidi and Sami al Saidi competing in the 120km category – reflecting the rising calibre of local talent and Oman’s emergence as a competitive force in global trail running.

The Himam Trail Run Race is supported by the Governorate of Dakhliyah, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. Key operational partners include the Sultan’s Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. Additional support comes from the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, Oman Scouts and Guides, and the University of Nizwa.