Himam named official organizer of Oman by UTMB® 2026

The global trail-running community will return to Oman in December 2026, as the Sultanate welcomes the comeback of Oman by UTMB®, a flagship event of the UTMB® World Series, taking place from 10 to 12 December 2026. The announcement was made in London on 4 November, during the World Travel Market (WTM), in the presence of international media and partners.

Organised by the Himam team in partnership with Experience Oman, the 2026 edition builds on the legacy of the renowned Himam Trail Run Race — marking a new chapter of collaboration shaped by authenticity, adventure, and community.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains, the course will once again showcase Oman’s natural beauty and cultural depth. Runners will traverse the historic towns of Al Hamra, Izki, Nizwa, and Jabal Akhdar, exploring rugged trails, ancient villages, wadis, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites along routes once used by shepherds and traders.

Since 2021, Himam has been at the forefront of growing trail running across the Middle East — developing over 210 kilometres of sustainable trail networks, training 450 volunteers, and establishing Oman as a regional hub for mountain endurance sport. Guided by a strong sense of community and environmental care, Himam continues to connect people, nature, and culture through trail running.

“Oman by UTMB® is a powerful symbol of how nature, culture, and endurance come together to define authentic experiences in Oman,” said H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. “Through this event, we look forward to welcoming the global trail community to our highlands, where hospitality runs deep and every summit tells a story.”

Florian Lamblin, UTMB International Executive Director, added: “We are delighted to welcome Oman by UTMB® back into the UTMB World Series. Oman’s breathtaking landscapes — from the peaks of Jabal Akhdar to the villages of Al Hamra and Nizwa — together with its deep-rooted culture and commitment to sustainability, reflect the values that drive the UTMB World Series worldwide. This return is a celebration of endurance, exploration, and the bond between people, place, and nature.”

Assim Al Saqri, President of Himam, organisers of the event, added: “We are delighted to see Oman by UTMB® return to the international calendar as a defining fixture in the Middle East’s endurance landscape and the UTMB World Series. The event reinforces Oman’s position on the global trail map — a destination where professional standards meet genuine adventure.”

Registrations for Oman by UTMB® 2026 open on February 3, 2026 for UTMB Index holders and February 5, 2026 for the public via oman.utmb.world