Muscat, January 19^th 2019: The focus of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon switched to charity fun-runners on Saturday as they shared centre stage with thousands of children who took to the streets for the Kids’ Run events.

While Friday’s start to the festival of running centred on the 42km marathon with a field of elite athletes and dedicated amateurs from all four corners of the world, the following day was about supporting Omani charities and welcoming the next generation of runners.

The 5km Charity Fun Run got proceedings underway at 7.00am, with more than 2,000 registered runners from 12 years old and upwards setting off through the Al Mouj waterfront community in the heart of Muscat.

Oman’s Obaid Al Jabri led the field home in an impressive time of 16 minutes and 34 seconds, declaring “I will be back next year for sure” after crossing the line. He finished ahead of Ayoub Al Rashdi and Wadhah Al-faliti.

The runners taking part were supporting numerous charitable organisations, including the six official Al Mouj Muscat Marathon charities – the Oman Cancer Association, Dar Al Atta Association, Oman Diabetes Association, Oman Down Syndrome Association, Al Noor Association for the Blind and the Environment Society of Oman – with part of their entry fee divided equally between them.

The level of excitement then went up several degrees as 2,776 young runners gathered for the start of the Kids’ Run event at 8.20am, which saw youngsters aged from seven to 12 years old take on 1km, 2km and 3km courses.

All the races were again flagged off by women’s world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, an ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, who also took to the race course to run alongside many of the runners as they approached the finish line.

The 3km race was won by young British runner Nathan Byford in 13:25, who also took top spot in 2018 and credits his repeat success to his father.

“It was great, very, very cool, and I did it last year so this is twice for me, so it feels very, very good. I run quite a lot because of my dad, even when I don’t want to. I like to play my games a lot but he says ‘we’re going to go out for a run’, and he makes me do it, but after I do enjoy it. I will definitely be back next year.”

The 2km race was won by Osama Alrahbi in 07:13 and the 1km event by Ammar Lamki in 03:02.

Friday’s marathon saw the largest number of elite long-distance athletes ever gathered in Oman, with the men’s race won by Kenya’s Ronald Korir in a time of 2:13:36 and the women’s race by Ethiopia’s Gada Bontu in 2:36:04. The very popular 10k race showcased Omani talent with local runner Bilarab Al Hamhami taking the win.

The eighth edition of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon again saw a record-breaking number of entries across all the running categories, producing immediate economic benefits to the Sultanate as well as further highlighting Oman as one of the world’s leading sports tourism destinations.

As well as the backing of title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat, the Oman Sail organised event also had the support of its original creator Muscat Road Runners, the Ministry of Tourism, Oman Athletic Association and the Muscat Festival.

In addition, it also benefitted from the involvement of official event partners the Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit (ISFU), Sohar Port and Freezone, Carrefour, media partners Merge 104.8 and Radio Al Wisal, and Mysk, Burjeel Hospital, be’ah, Alpha Movement Specialist, Oman Oasis, Sun Top and Garmin.

All those who took part this year in the marathon and the five other running categories are invited to register their interest for the 2020 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon via the event website at https://muscatmarathon.om/pre-register/

Muscat, January 18^th 2019: Blue skies and cheering crowds greeted the finishers of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon as an international field revelled in the near perfect running conditions in Oman’s capital city.

The eighth edition of the increasingly popular event got underway soon after dawn, the early morning light showing the way for thousands of athletes taking part in the full marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay and 10k races.

Flagged off by women’s world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe – an ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon – the field took advantage of a windless day and a temperature of 20 degrees.

The men’s marathon race was led by the largest number of elite long-distance athletes ever gathered in Oman, and at the finish it proved to be Kenya’s day with one of the pre-start favourites, Ronald Korir, winning in a time of 2 hours 13 minutes and 36 seconds. He finished ahead of his countryman John Langat (2:15:41) and Uganda’s Jackson Kiprop (2:15:43).

“The race was good and a very good course – and I am happy with my time,” said a delighted Korir. “It is my first time at the Muscat Marathon and I will be back next year.”

The women’s marathon was won by Ethiopia’s Gada Bontu in 2:36:04, a time quick enough to earn her a ninth place overall, ahead of Kenya’s Lucy Ndungu (2:42:07) and Asnakech Mengistu representing Ethiopia (2:43:03) third.

“It was a good race for me and I am very happy – the course was flat so that is very good as well,” said Bontu.

The half-marathon witnessed a neck and neck finish between Moroccan athletes Noaman Elassaoui and Bouazzaoui Abdelali, with Elassaoui taking victory by less than a second in 1:10:52. Iran’s Morteza Beiravand took third.

The very popular 10k race – with more than 1700 athletes registered – saw local Omani runners show their form, taking the win and eight of the top-10 places.

Victory went to Bilarab Al Hamhami in 34:29, ahead of Iran’s Mohammad Bagheritajamir with Omani runner Naser Al Kamashki taking the third spot on the podium. The women’s race won by Brazil’s Cristina Ferraz (47:33) with Kristin Westby second and Gerd Inger Brunborg third.

Paula Radcliffe, who took part in the 10k race, enjoyed the running and supporting other women runners in the field.

“It was a lot of fun though I probably went off a little bit quicker than I wanted to,” said Radcliffe. “I wanted to run in the middle of the pack and I was keen to go and bring the first ladies in as it is great to see women’s running developing so well out here.

“I know it is a big goal of the organisers and it’s something I like to see globally as more and more women enjoying running and taking it up.”

Meanwhile, the relay marathon event, which attracted a very strong entry of 70 teams, was won by a team from Oman’s Royal Guards ahead of entries from Oman’s Special Forces and air force.

The two day festival of running continues on Saturday with the 5k Charity Fun Run – which has attracted over 2,000 participants – and the Kids’ Run with even more young runners set to take part.

All those involved in the marathon and other running categories have been invited to register their interest for the 2020 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon via the event website at https://muscatmarathon.om/pre-register/

Muscat, January 16^th 2019: Thousands of spectators are expected to flock to the 2019 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon Race Village from this Friday to experience the atmosphere and excitement of the international event at first hand. During the two day festival of running the Race Village – located in the heart of the Al Mouj waterfront community – will offer a wide range of activities and entertainment aimed directly at families and spectators.

Open from 5.30am on Friday, an hour before the start of the main marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay races – the Race Village will host on-stage entertainment and live music with Muscat radio presenter and DJ Adam Cole conducting the countdown to the various starts, which will be featured live on large screens.

Marching bands, mime artists and stilt walkers will add to the sense of occasion, alongside interactive activities including face painting, bubble shows, Zumba and body fusion sessions. Meanwhile many local businesses have taken the opportunity to highlight their products and services on numerous stalls around the village.

In addition, there will be several entertainment points along the marathon route featuring traditional Omani bands, drummers and DJs, including outside the Al Mouj golf course on 18^th of November Street, the Corniche, behind PACA.

With a record-breaking entry of 8,000 runners across the six running categories, including the largest number of elite long-distance athletes ever gathered in Oman, the eighth edition of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is the biggest ever held, and is likely to attract a substantial number of spectators.

Organisers suggest that the best views of the races will be found at the start and finish lines and along Street 6, as well as the many vantage points along the course.

Friday will feature the main marathon running categories as well as the 10k race, which will see the 1,500 athletes who are taking part in the shorter distance joined by women’s world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, who is an international ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon event.

The first finishers in the half-marathon category are expected at 7.35am, with the leaders in the marathon due to cross the finish line at 8.40am. The marathon relay runners are anticipated to finish at 8.50am. The many 10km runners start at 8.30am with the first finishers at around 9.00am.

Saturday will see an equally busy schedule and Race Village, with 2,700-plus youngsters taking part in the very popular Kids’ Run event from 8.20am, and almost as many runners registered for the 5k Charity Fun Run, which has an earlier start at 7.00am.

On each day the Race Village will stay open until 1.00pm, with the entertainment continuing after the runners have finished their events.

Muscat, January 14^th 2019: Led by the largest number of elite long-distance athletes ever gathered in Oman, next week’s Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is on course to be the biggest ever.

With the clock counting down to the two-day festival of running – starting with the main marathon event on Friday 18th January – almost 8,000 athletes have registered, setting yet another record with increased entries in all six running categories.

At what is likely to be the head of the field, last year’s Al Mouj Muscat Marathon winner Moses Too knows he will have to overcome determined opposition to retain his title.

Five of the seven-strong men’s elite group have better personal best times than the Kenyan athlete, notably his compatriot Ronald Korir, Ethiopia’s Belay Asefa, and Uganda’s Jackson Kiprop, all of whom will be out to finish inside Too’s 2018 winning time of 2:19:30.

The women’s elite entry also boasts some star turns, with winner of the Milan, Nanjing and Wuhan marathons Asnakech Mengistu, one of a trio from Ethiopia alongside Buzunesh Tesema and Tsedal Gebretsadik, as well as Kenya’s Gada Bontu and Czech champion Petra Pastorova.

Meanwhile the 1,500 runners taking part in the 10k race will be joined by women’s world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, with the iconic British athlete continuing her role as international ambassador for the marathon’s eighth edition.

The across the board increase in participation is expected to provide immediate benefits to the Sultanate in terms of its economic impact, as well as further develop the longer-term objective of establishing Oman as one of the world’s premiere sports tourism destinations and the Muscat Marathon as the leading event of its kind in the region.

“With another record-breaking entry the 2019 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon will be the biggest ever held, and we are delighted to welcome the many elite and amateur athletes who have travelled to Oman from all over the world,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer of event organiser Oman Sail.

“The event has also inspired many people throughout Oman to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and it is playing an important part in developing new areas of the national economy.

“Working with our many partners we have been able to build on the foundations established by Muscat Road Runners, and we are grateful for the continued backing of our title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat as well as the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Oman Athletic Association and the Muscat Festival.”

The full 42km marathon is the centrepiece of the festival which will also see a half-marathon, marathon relay and the 10k race sharing the course next Friday. The 5k Charity Fun Run – which has attracted over 2,000 participants – and the Kids’ Run will be held on Saturday.

At the heart of the event is the race village, which will be set up in the vibrant Al Mouj waterfront community. The flat and fast internationally certified course itself will take athletes past many of Muscat’s memorable landmarks including Al Mouj Golf, Seeb corniche and the Fatma Al Said Mosque.

Organisers also paid tribute to the support of official title sponsor Al Mouj Mucat and event partners The Implementation Follow-up and Support Unit (ISFU), Sohar Port and Freezone, and Carrefour, media partners Merge 104.8 and Radio Al Wisal, and supporters Mysk, Burjeel Hospital, be’ah, Alpha Movement Specialist, Oman Oasis, Sun Top and Garmin.

The marathon, marathon relay and half-marathon events start at 6.30am next Friday, with the 10km race setting off at 8.30am. Saturday’s 5km Charity Fun Run – which will benefit six charities in Oman – starts at 7am, with the first Kids’ Run start at 8.20am.

The 2019 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon will serve up course routes offering stunning surroundings and fast, flat terrain that opens the door to personal bests and perhaps even world record performances. What’s more, the marathon, marathon relay, half marathon and 10K routes have all been certified by world-running organisation AIMS, aligning the 2019 event with International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) standards.

With Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge recently smashing the marathon record in Berlin, the time may be ripe for the extremely fast completion of a Muscat course described as “beautiful” by the women’s world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe. The iconic British athlete, who is the international ambassador for the marathon’s eighth edition, was entranced after she ran part of the route during a recent visit to Oman.
She said: “It’s a beautiful course. The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is absolutely a must-do event – I think it is one of those bucket list events that people will have to tick off.”

The start and finish of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is in the heart of the vibrant waterfront community that has given its support and name to the international event. Immaculate lush greenery offers the perfect backdrop for the build-up – and cool down – of the main event.

With Oman’s premier lifestyle development, Al Mouj Muscat, at its heart, the 2019 marathon route will feature stunning scenery as the course heads into the surrounding area. Runners will enjoy coastal views on the palm tree lined section to Seeb, alongside a beach lined with traditional fishing boats, the refreshing greenery of the route through Al Mouj Golf, and the majestic architecture of a new mosque adjacent to the course.

“Al Mouj Muscat is the perfect setting for the start and finish of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, which will offer inspiring views at every turn,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer of event organiser Oman Sail. “As Paula expressed during her visit, it is a beautiful course and one that lends itself to some very fast times – from both the professional athletes and the enthusiastic amateur runners taking part.”

The full marathon on the 18th January is the centrepiece of a two-day festival of running which will also host a half-marathon, marathon relay and 10k race on the opening day, with a 5k charity fun run and a Kids’ Run completing the weekend’s races on the 19th January.

“Al Mouj Muscat and Oman’s most iconic sporting event share a common mission: to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle throughout the Sultanate and the wider world, and we are delighted to play a part in highlighting that vision,” added Al Hashmi. “As a marathon host venue, Al Mouj Muscat will also demonstrate to international visitors that Oman and its capital city have a great deal to offer, combining contemporary facilities with authentic Arabia and a very warm welcome.”

Many of the thousands of runners taking part in the six race categories will be eligible for a share of the substantial prize-money pot. A ‘Most Active School’ prize of fitness equipment will go to the school with the Kids’ Race finishers and, in addition, a prize is also on offer to the fastest team of five college undergraduate students to complete the Charity 5k.

Organisers urge those planning to register for any of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon event categories to act now, as the current standard offer expires on 19 November 2018, after which late entry fees will apply.

You can check the routes in the Runners’s Information page: https://muscatmarathon.om/runners-information/

World record marathon champion Paula Radcliffe has described Oman’s Al Mouj Muscat Marathon as a ‘must-do’ event which can blaze a new trail in the Middle East.
Speaking near the end of a five-day visit to Oman, Radcliffe said the 2019 edition of the now established international event had earned its place on any marathon runner’s bucket list.
“It is absolutely a must-do event – I think it is one of those that people will have to tick off,” said the iconic British athlete, who is the international ambassador for the marathon’s eighth edition.
“A lot of marathon runners will have their bucket list of their favourite ones. They all have something unique and special about them, and the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon absolutely has something special, it has something unique, it has – like the country of Oman – something to show off.”
The former marathon, half-marathon and cross-country world champion – whose 2003 Women’s World Record marathon time of 2:15:25 is still unbroken – took on the ambassadorial role with the aim of encouraging greater participation by runners from both Oman and the wider worldwide athletic community, particularly women.
She said: “Over the last few years we have seen a big evolution in women’s running globally, a lot of the big races like the London Marathon, the Great North Run and the New York Marathon have reached parity and gone beyond it with more than 50 percent of runners in the race women.”
During her visit Radcliffe spent time in Muscat, stayed at the Alila Jebel Akhdar Hotel in the breathtaking Al Hajar range, went on a diving trip to the internationally acclaimed Damaniyat Islands, ran with members of the Muscat Road Runners, the marathon’s original organisers, and had a fun run with 168 kids representing seven schools.
She admitted: “Before I came here I just did not realise how much Oman has to offer. There is the weather of course, and the sea, but also the mountains and architecture all coming together that makes it somewhere very special to visit. I would rate Oman 10 out of 10 – I have absolutely loved it from start to finish.”
Radcliffe will return to Oman next year to introduce and flag-off the start of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon itself, and then take part in the 10k event.
Alongside the marathon and 10k races, the two-day festival of running will also feature half-marathon and marathon relay categories on Friday 18 January, and a 5k charity fun run and a Kids’ Run the following day.
“We have been delighted to welcome Paula to Oman,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer of event organiser Oman Sail. “She is a legendary figure in the international athletic world, and we hope she will inspire others to follow in her footsteps and seize the opportunity to take part in the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in what is a truly unique location.”
The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon has seen runner records broken every year since it was first held in 2012. More than 6,000 runners from 87 nations took part this year across all the categories, with organisers Oman Sail aiming for a further dramatic increase in 2019.
Radcliffe retired from competitive running in 2015 having won both the London and New York marathons three times. She was the IAAF World Athlete of the Year in 2002, the AIMS World Athlete of the Year in 2002, 2003 and 2005, and the 2002 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She was awarded the MBE in 2002.

World record marathon champion Paula Radcliffe is to be the international figurehead for the eighth edition of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in the Sultanate of Oman’s capital next January.

The multiple marathon winning British athlete has taken on the ambassadorial role to promote the increasingly popular event which has seen a record number of runners in each successive year since 2012, with more than 6,000 taking part earlier this year.

The iconic former marathon, half-marathon and cross-country world champion – whose Women’s World Record time of 2:15:25 set in 2003 remains unbroken – aims to encourage greater participation by runners from both Oman and the wider regional and worldwide athletic community in the now internationally recognised event.

“Throughout my career I have set myself goals and then tried to achieve them, and by becoming an ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon I hope I can inspire others, particularly women, to take on the challenge,” said Radcliffe.

“My childhood running coach used to say ‘aim for the moon because if you miss you will land on the stars’, and that is a great philosophy for running and for life. The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is a fantastic opportunity for people to train, get healthier and take part in an inspiring event.”

Radcliffe will introduce and flag-off the start of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon itself on Friday 18 January, and then take part in the 10k event.

Alongside the marathon and 10k races, the two-day festival of running will also feature half-marathon and marathon relay categories, a 5k charity fun run and a Kids’ Run.

“We are delighted that Paula has agreed to become our ambassador for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Chief Marketing Officer of event organiser, Oman Sail.

“Paula is a legendary figure in the marathon world and beyond and she will play a vital role in further highlighting what is now internationally recognised as a world-class celebration of health and fitness.”

The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon has seen record-breaking numbers in each successive year since it was first held in 2012. This year saw over 6,000 runners representing no fewer than 87 nationalities across all the categories – a 370 per cent increase on 2017 – and organisers Oman Sail are targeting a further step-change in 2019.

At the same time a long-term development plan has a target of 15,000 participants by 2022, with at least 20 per cent travelling from overseas as a result of Oman’s growing reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.

The 2018 edition was formally recognised by world running’s international governing body the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and the Muscat coastal course was certified to International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) standards.

Before the 2019 marathon Radcliffe will come to the Sultanate for an ‘experience Oman’ visit which will take in Jebel Akhdar in the breathtaking Al Hajar mountain range, the popular turquoise pools of Wadi Shab, a diving trip to the internationally acclaimed Damaniyat Islands, and a tour of Muscat including the Royal Opera House, Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souq.

She will also meet schoolchildren and the public at special ‘Meet Paula’ sessions, provide training tips for the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, and get a sneak preview of sections of the course. Registered runners will have the opportunity to be photographed with her on Race Pack collection days before the marathon itself.

Radcliffe retired from competitive running in 2015. In her career she won both the London and New York marathons on three occasions, and has been European champion over 10,000m and in the cross-country. Her numerous accolades include IAAF World Athlete of the Year (2002), AIMS World Athlete of the Year (2002, 2003 and 2005) and BBC Sports Personality of the Year. She was awarded the MBE in 2002.

The clock is now counting down to the start of the 2019 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon with the official opening of registrations for the two-day festival of running. With less than eight months to go to the event on January 18th and 19th next year, organisers are aiming to build on the success of the record-breaking 2018 marathon – with over 6,000 participants – with a new high of 10,000 athletes expected across six running categories.
The eighth edition of the Muscat Marathon will again see Muscat Road Runners, Oman Athletics Association and Oman Sail jointly collaborating to achieve the new targets. The event will also have the continued support of title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premiere lifestyle destination.
Organisers have already made one significant change, with the centrepiece marathon race along with the half-marathon, relay-marathon and 10km event now being held on the opening day of the festival, Friday 18th January.
The highly popular Kids’ Run and 5km Charity Fun Run – which together attracted almost 3,500 runners to open the event this year – will be held the following day.
“Al Mouj Muscat Marathon this year was an incredible success not only due to the huge number of participants that were involved, but the event also underlined the Sultanate’s status as a world class sports destination. We are delighted to continue our sponsorship for the third year in succession, and look forward to inspiring more individuals from Oman and beyond to take part and live a healthy lifestyle,” said Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO Al Mouj Muscat.
The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon is also supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Tanfeedh, the government’s economic diversification initiative which has identified the fast-growing global sports tourism sector as a key focus.
It is a vision fully shared by co-organisers Oman Sail confirms CEO David Graham: “Our goal for 2019 is to secure a step-change in participation with a significant increase in the number of athletes taking part across all the categories, which will in turn increase the benefits to the Sultanate.
“At the same time we have a long-term development plan through to 2022. Our vision is for the Muscat Marathon to be recognised as the premiere festival of running in the Middle East and North Africa region; to increase participation to a total of 15,000 runners, to see at least 20 per cent of participants from outside Muscat and to achieve year-on-year growth in its economic impact.”
The 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon was won by Kenya’s Moses Too in a time of 02:19:30, with Ethiopia’s Brtukan Adeba Berihun posting a time of 02:48:55 to take the women’s title. It saw athletes representing 85 different nationalities, with 469 participants travelling overseas.
Registrations for 2019 can be made at muscatmarathon.om. The 42.195km marathon and 21.0975km half-marathon races will each have four categories – an open category with a minimum age of 17, and 40-49, 50-59 and 60+ age groups.
The 10km event will have similar age groups though the open category is open to runners aged from 13. It will also have a junior category for 13 to 19 year-olds.
The 5km Charity Fun Run is also open to runners aged 13 and above, while the Kids’ Run will have 1, 2 and 3km courses for youngsters aged 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 years old respectively.
The Relay Marathon event is open to teams of 4 to 6 runners in male, female and mixed groups, the mixed teams having at least two female runners.
In addition to an array of local partners who have pledged support for the event, the race has gained the backing of Mysk Hotels by Shaza as an official hotel for the runners to stay close to the race start location while enjoying a vibrant view of the Al Mouj Muscat Marina.