A record lineup of champions set to take on the mountains of Oman this December

World-Class Elite Runners Confirmed for Himam Trail Run Race 2025

A record lineup of champions set to take on the mountains of Oman this December

The Himam Trail Run Race 2025 is shaping up to be the most competitive edition yet, with an exceptional lineup of elite international athletes confirmed across the 120KM and 60KM categories. This year’s field brings together champions from UTMB® races, Marathon des Sables legends, global podium finishers, and returning Himam titleholders — setting the stage for a landmark showdown in Oman’s mountains.
The event is set to welcome 1,148 runners from 62 nationalities, with 33% travelling from overseas and female participation reaching 18% — reinforcing the growing international appeal of Himam and the widening diversity of its running community.

Leading the men’s 120KM field is Rachid El Morabity (Morocco), a dominant force in desert and ultra-endurance running, and winner of multiple Marathon des Sables titles. Joining him is Theo Detienne (France), one of Europe’s rising ultra athletes with victories at Trail Alsace Grand Est and podium finishes across major UTMB-indexed races. Also lining up in the 120KM is Mohammad Reza Jelodar (Iran), a strong performer in long-distance mountain races across the region.

Returning to the Himam course is Clement Deffrenne (France), after a strong performance in the 2024 edition and notable results at UTMB® Mont-Blanc, Mauritius by UTMB®, and the Dodo Trail. From Jordan, regional star Salameh AlAqra brings immense experience, including victories at Marathon des Sables Jordan and Ultra X. Completing the men’s elite lineup is Omar El Sawi (Egypt), one of North Africa’s steadily rising trail athletes known for consistent top-10 finishes across regional ultras.

The women’s 120KM race welcomes Maite Mayora (Spain), fresh off podium finishes at Transgrancanaria, Val d’Aran by UTMB®, and her victory at Himam 2024. She will be joined by Wenfei Xie (China), a competitive mountain runner with strong performances across technical terrain in Asia.

In the 60KM category, Vlad Ixel (Australia) — a multi-time champion across the Asia-Pacific region — headlines the elite pack after recent podiums at KAT100 by UTMB®, Ultra-Trail Australia, and TransLantau. Also confirmed in the 60KM elite pack is Navil Shaimukhametov (Russia), an athlete with a growing presence in regional mid-distance mountain ultras.

Oman will be strongly represented as well. The 120KM field includes some of the country’s top ultra runners: Hamdan Al Khatri, a consistent podium contender and one of Oman’s most experienced mountain athletes, alongside Khalid Al Farsi, Khalid Al Hatmi, Saleh Al Saidi, and Sami Al Saidi. Their continued progression across Himam races and regional competitions highlights the growing depth of Omani talent and the rising competitiveness of local athletes on demanding long-distance routes.

This diverse group of elite athletes adds meaningful depth to the 2025 lineup, reflecting the increasing global interest in Oman’s rugged mountain terrain and the technical challenge that the Himam course presents. With athletes coming from terrains as varied as the Alps, the Sahara, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania, the race promises a dynamic and unpredictable contest that will test experience, strategy, and endurance.

The full elite field will compete from 11–13 December 2025, in a race expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators. More details will be shared on himam.om and Himam’s official channels as race week approaches.