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/