3rd edition of Himam Trail Run Race returns in December 2022 with iconic experiences awaiting runner in Al Hajar mountains

The third edition of Oman’s Himam Trail Run Race will return in December 2022 to take on Al Hajar mountains once more with hundreds of trail running enthusiasts and pros expected to line up at the start line. The 2022 edition will take place on 1-3 December 2022, and will feature routes designed to suit all endurance levels at distances of 55km and 100km that qualify those who complete them points from the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), and a 25km for beginners who are looking to start a trail running career.

Aiming to celebrate sport, health and the environment in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman, the 2021 edition of the Himam Trail Run Race attracted 421 runners from 36 countries, including 50 female athletes and 29 runners aged over 50 years of age. It brought together a dedicated team of 50 organisers and 200 volunteers to deliver a highly-successful event. This year’s event will aim to attract more female athletes, and runners of all ages from across Oman and around the world to test themselves against a unique challenge.

Organisers have officially open registration for the race. The main race, 100km, will start in Al Hamra one Thursday at the heart of traditional plantations, magnificent Omani irrigation canals and picturesque villages, taking runners in a journey of discovery. 100km runners will experience a route that once witnessed international runners coming to compete for the Oman by UTMB in 2019. The route then circles the foothills of Jabal Akhdar before heading to the gates of the old Fort in Birkat Al Mouz where a race village open for spectators awaits their arrival. The 25km and 55km races will begin at Birkat Al Mouz on Friday, with routes designed to give runners a variety of terrain and a taste of culture, ancient history and tradition.

Dr Zahir Al Riyami, Head of the Organising Committee, said, “We are delighted to announce the return of the Himam Trail Run Race later this year and invite runners from around the world to visit Oman to take part. The last two events have been hugely successful and shown that there is a deep-rooted passion for sport within Oman and that the nation offers a unique landscape found nowhere else on the trail running circuit. We look forward to welcoming runners to the beautiful region of Al Hajar mountains to take on some of the courses tailored particularity for this event.”

Experienced Moroccan long-distance desert and mountain runner and winner of 2021 edition, Rachid El Morabity, said, “I have competed in ultra-trail marathons in many different countries and this course in the mountains of Oman was definitely one of the most inspiring and most beautiful. The terrain poses a different challenge and offers a new perspective at every turn and the support from the crowds along the route, in the villages and at the finishing line really motivates the runners to keep going. I hope to be able to compete again this year and returning to such a wonderful location to run with so many talented athletes.”

The 2022 Himam Trail Run Race is organised by Himam Adventure under the umbrella of Al Sahwa Team, Nizwa Club, and supported by the Oman Athletics Association, the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.