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.

The record-breaking 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon was hailed a huge success as thousands of runners filled the streets of Al Mouj from the early hours on Friday morning. A large international contingent of athletes welcomed the near perfect conditions, which saw many runners achieve personal best performances.
The centrepiece Al Mouj Muscat Marathon event was won by Kenya’s Moses Too who completed the 42km course in 02:19:30, ahead of Anouar El Ghouz with another Kenyan, Gideon Kipgurui Kipsang, third.
“I have raced other marathons and this one is very, very hard, but I am so grateful to have won it,” said Too after he crossed the finish line at the heart of the Al Mouj residence. “I am very happy to have won and it was my first time in Oman – it is a very special place, very beautiful, and the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly.”
The women’s marathon title was taken by Muscat resident Brtukan Adeba Berihun. She said: “It was a very nice race and I am very happy to be the winner. Muscat is a beautiful place to run and the people have been lovely, so welcoming.”
And for eight-time marathon runner Manal Rostom the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon marked a new personal best performance. The high-profile Egyptian runner and mountaineer has been the figurehead of a global Nike-made athletes’ hijab campaign.
“I just love how the (Oman) culture is evolving and the way they are introducing kids, expats or locals everyone, to exercise more – today it was a perfect course with perfect scenery, and ideal for getting a personal best, so I am super-happy,” said the Dubai-based pharmacist and personal trainer.
And she added: “At the moment I think there is an evolution happening in the Middle East with how Arab countries are taking up sports, they are taking it more seriously than ever. To have an international marathon, such as the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon that represents your country is super-awesome, it smashes stereotypes.”
The Half-marathon event attracted a record 684 entries. Jordan’s Mohammad Alkhwaldeh won the men’s race in a time of 01:14:01 ahead of Omani runners Hilal Al Golandni and Mahmood Al Quraini.
The women’s race was won by Anne Murvold from Norway. “I have only done two half-marathons before, so maybe I should do some more!,” said a delighted Murvold. “I started too fast and after 11kms I was thinking ‘how will I do this?’ – but when I turned on the course it was OK and I had the wind at my back, and that was much better, so I am very happy.”
And she added: “It was fun racing on the golf course section, and Muscat is superb.”
Meanwhile, British athlete Sarah Steer was frustrated in her attempt to reclaim her Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon pushing a double buggy when a wheel on the buggy holding her twin three-year-old sons Luke and Nathan failed 2kms into the race.
“Today wasn’t the day – but I have held the record once so I am OK with that,” she said. “Muscat is great, and people have been so friendly, it is such a nice place to be.”
In the 10km event victory in the women’s race went to Muscat resident and physiotherapist Dawn Meredith-Davies. “It was a bit of a mad dash out to the front at the beginning but then I kept it steady – you have to have a target and I just kept going at that, though I had a great race with the woman who came second,” said Meredith-Davies, who runs with the Muscat Road Runners, founders of the Muscat Marathon in 2012.
The men’s 10km was won by Omani runner Abdullah Al-Quraini in a time of 00:33:55, ahead of Ahmed Al-Amri and Omar Al-Hmrashdi.
Meanwhile, the 5km Charity Fun Run in support of The Oman Diabetes Association saw 1099 runners taking part and was won by Muscat’s Amjad Alshkaili, with Kate McDonald the fastest woman.
Also taking part was Belgian runner Edwige Van Den Assem, who at 73 was the oldest athlete competing in the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon festival of running.
“I may be the oldest runner here but I don’t feel it – running makes me feel 10 years younger, gives me a lot of social contacts and I aim to keep on doing it. I like running because it keeps me healthy and I am a very active woman,” said Edwige, who only took up running when she retired 10 years ago.
“I will be 74 in December and hopefully will be back to run the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon again next year. I have just bought new running shoes, so I won’t be hanging them up any time soon!”
The prize-giving was held following racing with guest of honour His Highness Sayed Mohammed bin Salim bin Ali Al Said, ambassador and chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate.
David Graham, CEO of event organiser Oman Sail, said: “Great congratulations are due to all the runners who competed in – and completed – this year’s Al Mouj Muscat Marathon festival of running.
“We were especially thrilled with the diversity of nationalities taking part and the enormous interest that we’ve seen from people of all ages and ability to participate in what is now a truly international event.
“The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon has proven to be an excellent platform to get people active and to promote the Sultanate of Oman as the ultimate adventure tourism destination. We are on the right path and look forward to working with our partners to grow the event further in 2019.”
The seventh edition of the Muscat Marathon saw a record-breaking number of 6094 entries across all race categories with runners from 87 countries including India, Britain, the Philippines, France, South Africa and the US.
In the run-up to the festival world running’s international governing body AIMS – the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races – formally recognised the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon for the first time.
Organised by Oman Sail, the Oman Athletic Association (OAA) and the Muscat Road Runners, and with the active support of title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat, official partners Carrefour, BP, Aquafina and Topfruit, and official suppliers Omantel, The Wellness Centre and DB Schenker, the event has gone from strength to strength to become the highlight of the Oman sporting calendar.
Yesterday, an extraordinary 2374 children – aged from seven to 12 years-old – took part in the Kids’ Run. Dozens of schools took part, with the Al Seeb International School winning the Most Active School in Oman trophy and 1000 OMR in gym equipment.

The 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon festival got off to a spectacular start today when thousands of young runners packed the streets of Muscat for the Kids’ Run event. An extraordinary 2374 children – aged from seven to 12 years-old – took part in one of three races to launch the now two-day festival of running.
In what is a new event ahead of tomorrow’s centrepiece Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, the Kids’ Run saw dozens of schools taking part, with Al Seeb International School winning the Most Active School in Oman trophy and 1000 OMR in gym equipment.
The seventh edition of the Muscat Marathon has seen a record-breaking number of 6094 entries across all race categories. With the active support of title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat, official partners Carrefour, BP, Aquafina and Topfruit, and official suppliers Omantel, The Wellness Centre and DB Schenker, the event has gone from strength to strength to become the highlight of the Oman sporting calendar.
“Today has been a wonderful day and it has been truly inspirational to see so many children taking part and enjoying physical activity with their friends and schoolmates,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Oman Sail’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“All this has been made possible only thanks to the marvellous support we have received from the schools who took part, and that of all our partners – starting with Al Mouj Muscat – who have helped make this festival of running what it is today,” she added.
The thousands of children taking part in the Kids’ Run had started to gather from mid-morning ahead of the first start at 3pm, and were entertained in the Al Mouj Race Village by magicians, a marching band, face painters, stilt walkers and the TNT Hip Hop Crew. The BP SME zone also featured an Engineering for Kids display.
Following the races the Kids’ Run prize-giving was attended by guest of honour His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Taleb Al-Hinai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning Affairs, members of the Oman Athletics Association, Nasser Al Shibani, CEO of Al Mouj, and David Graham, CEO of event organiser Oman Sail.
Prizes were awarded to the top three young athletes in each class. In the 1km category for 7 and 8 year-olds the winner was Ammar Al Lamki, with Mudrek Al Hatmi in second place, and Azzan Mohammed in third. In the females category, the winner was Marah Abdulall, followed by Caris Pollock, then Romily Hraham in third.
The 2.5km race for 9 and 10 year-olds was won by Nathan Byford, ahead of Harry Oweno, second, and Millar Bathgate in third place. In the girls category, Assia Samin took the crown, followed by Roukaya Ellkomy, then Rana Al Barwani in third place.
The final 4km race for 11 and 12 year-olds saw Keiji Maruyama take the victory, with Tamam Al Hasni second and AbdulAziz Al Harrasi in third place. With the girls in this distance, Grace Park came first, followed by Olivia Philips, then Kristina Sarah Siju in third place.
Tomorrow will see the highlight of the festival with the full 42km Al Mouj Muscat Marathon itself, the Half-marathon and 10km races, as well as the Marathon Relay category for teams of runners and a 5km Charity Fun Run in support of The Oman Diabetes Association.
The overall 2018 entry list shows there are runners from 86 countries, with large numbers from India, Britain, the Philippines, France, South Africa and the US, along with hundreds more from countries ranging from Australia to Yemen.
With an early 6am scheduled start for those taking part in the Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay categories, the Race Villlage in Al Mouj will be open from 5am with a warm-up session by The Wellness Centre and light music by Adam Cole.
Further warm-up sessions and entertainments are scheduled ahead of the 9.30am start of the 10km race and 5km Charity Fun Run.
The festival of running will conclude tomorrow with the prize-giving ceremonies from 10.30am to 12 midday.

The final countdown has started for the 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon as thousands of athletes begin to converge on Oman’s vibrant capital for Friday’s international showpiece. With a record-breaking entry and new formal recognition of its international status and course standards, the seventh edition of the event will see 6094 runners taking part in six different race categories across a two-day sporting festival.

This year’s Al Mouj Muscat Marathon will welcome an influx of athletes representing 87 different nationalities with sizeable contingents from India, Britain, the Philippines, France, South Africa and the US.

Compared with 2017 – itself a record-breaking year – entries for the Marathon centrepiece challenge have more than doubled to 234, with the number of runners in the Half-marathon and 10km events also dramatically increased with 683 and 1,299 athletes respectively.

A further 394 runners will be taking part in the Marathon Relay team category, with 1099 signed up for the 5km Charity Fun Run in support of the Oman Diabetes Association. While the youngest runner will be among the remarkable 2374 entries taking part in the Kids’ Run on Thursday – the opening event of the two-day festival – the oldest is 73 year-old Edwige Van Den Assem, who is travelling to the Sultanate from Dubai for the 10km women’s race.

The last week has seen anticipation rise with the publication of the 2018 Runners’ Guide with detailed information for runners and spectators alike, including advice, race regulations, health tips, event timetables and maps of the various race routes in and around the Al Mouj waterfront destination complex.

In the run-up to the start, organisers Oman Sail were delighted to receive formal recognition of the event from world running’s international governing body AIMS – the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

At the same time, the stunning Muscat coastal courses have been measured to meet global International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) standards making the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon eligible for recognised record-breaking performances.
One visiting runner with precise timing on her mind is a British woman aiming to reclaim her Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon pushing a double buggy.

Sarah Steer and her husband Martin only began serious distance running with their first marathon in 2011, but have now joined the exclusive 7 Continents Club of only 206 people who have run marathons on each of the planet’s seven continents, including Antarctica.

Meanwhile, following the arrival of twin sons Luke and Nathan, now three, Sarah set a buggy-pushing record in 2016 which has recently been narrowly broken.

“I’m recovering from some injuries so I am not as confident of getting the record back as I would like to be,” said Sarah, shortly before travelling from her home near Cambridge, England, for what will be her first stay in Oman.

“There are lots of little variables and a few things that could go wrong, but at the end of the day you just never know with a race, sometimes you can pull it out of the bag. I will give it my best shot which is what I always do – sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn’t.

“As long as I have fun and my boys are OK that’s all that matters. They love the buggy and get really excited when we go out. Martin will be running with me in support – occasionally the boys throw something out of the buggy so he has to be there to pick up the pieces!”

Al Mouj Marathon Runners’ Guide 2018 is now online and available for your download. Start reading it here:

Packed with essentials, the Guide includes the following information:

Race Factsheet
Course Routes
Race Day Seeding
Event Parking Guide
Race Village Information