4,500 runners from 68 countries confirmed as the countdown to race week begins
December 8, 2025
More than 4,500 runners from 68 countries compete in one of Oman’s leading mountain sporting events
The Himam Trail Run Race 2025 concluded its main competitive events on Friday, 12 December, after two days of racing across the dramatic landscapes of the Al Hajar Mountains. With more than 4,500 runners from 68 countries, the event reinforced its standing as one of Oman’s foremost mountain running gatherings, marked this year by highly competitive fields across all distances and smooth execution supported by medical, volunteer and security teams.
In the flagship Al Hajar ULTRA 120KM, Spain’s Maite Mayora won the women’s race in 19:02:45, ahead of Wenfei Xie (CHN) and Tatiana Fedoseeva (RUS). The men’s title went to Ahmed Ayyoup (MAR) in 14:44:01, followed by Victor Guerdin (FRA) and Saleh Al Saidi (OMN). The demanding route began in Al Hamra and crossed the eastern Hajar range and Jabal Akhdar before descending into Birkat Al Mouz, combining steep elevation profiles with long technical sections.
The Skyward Canyon 60KM delivered strong international results, with Clara Magnin (FRA) taking first place in the women’s category in 08:20:24, followed by Claire Stone (GBR) and Jordanka Petrushevska (MKD). Amjad Aljamoudi (OMN) won the men’s race in 05:46:16, ahead of Navil Shaimukhametov (RUS) and Vlad Ixel (AUS).
In the Old Capital Trail 35KM, beginning in historic Nizwa, Zahra Ashoori (IRN) secured the women’s title in 04:54:49, with Aurelie Braux (FRA) and Leila Knight (RSA) placing second and third. The men’s race saw Abdelaziz Ahnida (MAR) finish first in 03:09:19, followed by Omani runners Youssef Alsibihi and Youssef Alnaabi.
The Scenic Sprint 20KM concluded with the United States’ Lilly Willis winning the women’s race in 02:10:32, followed by Fe Valvekens (FRA) and Divya Reddy (IND). Salim Al Falahi (OMN) topped the men’s field in 01:51:48, ahead of Hector Chan (FRA) and Alazher Al Hattali (OMN). Across all distances, runners navigated routes that showcased the geological contrasts and cultural landscapes of the Hajar range — from wadis and terraced farms to ridge-line paths and historic villages.
The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, who honoured winners across all categories and recognised the many partners and volunteers who contributed to the success of this year’s race. The 2025 edition was supported by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, alongside operational support from the Sultan’s Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Oman Police, and the Ministry of Health. Additional contributions came from the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, the Oman Scouts and Guides, and the University of Nizwa, with corporate partners including OXY Oman, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman LNG, and Sohar Aluminium.
The organising committee noted that Himam continues to strengthen its role as a leading mountain running event in the region, highlighting Oman’s natural and cultural landscapes and contributing to the Sultanate’s growing presence in the global adventure sports sector. This year’s international turnout comes as the Himam team prepares to deliver Oman by UTMB® 2026, following its appointment as the official organiser for the international UTMB®-series race.
The race programme resumes next weekend with a dedicated community and family event featuring children’s races and short-distance runs designed to encourage wider participation in sport. These activities aim to promote active lifestyles, introduce younger runners to trail running, and strengthen community engagement — reinforcing Himam’s commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and broad-based participation in outdoor activity.
