Muscat: The popular Himam Trail Run Race will kick off with a greater edition from 1 – 3 December, with sign-ups already exceeding last year’s record high.
Over 570 trail runners from 41 countries of all ages and experience levels have registered to take on the breathtaking challenge that has been curated around diverse landscapes, heritage sites and lush plantation in Jabal Akhdar, Al Hamra and Birkat Al Mouz.
Supported by Petroleum Development Oman as main sponsor, the race has been made bigger since its last edition and will feature a 25km and 55km races that will begin at Birkat Al Mouz, whereas the Al Hajar Range Challenge 100km will start in Al Hamra.
Each course will then circle the foothills of Jabal Akhdar through traditional plantations and picturesque villages before heading to the gates of the old Fort in Birkat Al Mouz where the finishing line awaits.
Dr Zahir Al Riyami, Himam Adventure President, said, “The response so far has been incredible, and we are now gearing up for the biggest ever Himam Trail Run Race. This is a great opportunity to broaden the appeal of Oman’s unique landscape and shine a light on the beautiful scenery and culture of Jabal Akhdar, Al Hamra and Birkat Al Mouz. Registrations have been pouring in from around the country and across the world and we look forward to welcoming runners of all ages to experience a brand-new course developed especially for this race and take part in one of Oman’s fastest growing sporting events.”
Each race carries points from the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) which will help more experienced runners enter trail running races around the world. The25km ‘Start-Up Challenge’ will award all finishers one ITRA points, the 55km race, known as ‘The Adventure’, carries three ITRA points, while the 100km‘Al Hajar Range Challenge’ course will give four ITRA points to all finishers.
2021’s Himam Trail Run proved to be an event for all, attracting 421 runners from 36 countries, including 50 female athletes and 29 runners aged over 50 years of age.
It was managed by a dedicated team of 70 organisers and 350 volunteers. This year’s event has already shown that the appetite to explore Oman’s spectacular landscape on two feet is growing, particularly among female athletes, runners of all ages from across Oman, and those around the world now able to test themselves in a new and unique setting.
The third day of the event is dedicated to shorter distances and family runs looking to experience running and embark on a journey to fitness and self-challenge.
Aiming to promote sport, celebrate health, the environment and tourism in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman.
The 2022 Himam Trail Run is organised by Al Sahwa Team under the umbrella of Nizwa Club, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth, Oman Athletics Association, OMRAN, Visit Oman, the SMEs Development Authority, Oman LNG, Al Safa Foods, Mazoon Dairy and Golden Tulip Nizwa. The event is also supported by Aventuras as the trusted partner for trail and running gear.
