Oman Desert Marathon

ماراثون صحراء عمان

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Sports & AdventureBidiyah/Wahiba Sands
Dates9–13 January 2027Confirmed listing
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceRunners in the Oman Desert Marathon must be
Language["ar"]Currency: OMR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Oman Desert Marathon in Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands

The Oman Desert Marathon is a five-day, 165-kilometre self-supported stage race through the Wahiba Sands, starting at the Alwasil Oasis near Bidiyah and finishing on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Held each January, it draws around 100 runners and hikers from roughly 15 countries who carry their own food and gear across five stages of shifting dunes.

The Wahiba Sands stretch across a wide belt of eastern Oman, an expanse of dunes that shift in colour from pale yellow to deep copper depending on the light, home for generations to semi-nomadic Bedouin families who have adapted their lives to one of the more demanding landscapes on the Arabian Peninsula.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Runners in the Oman Desert Marathon must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own food and supplies across five stages of 42, 32, 40, 30 and 21 kilometres, a format that has led some competitors to describe it as harder than France's well-known Marathon des Sables

02

The mystery stays covered

The course crosses the Wahiba Sands, an expanse of towering dunes shifting from buttery yellow to coppery orange, passing palm groves, small hamlets and semi-nomadic communities along the way before finishing at the Arabian Sea

03

The city starts moving

Both running and hiking categories are offered, widening participation beyond elite ultra-runners, and the small annual field of roughly 100 participants keeps the event intimate compared to larger international desert ultramarathons

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Wahiba Sands have long been home to semi-nomadic Bedouin communities whose way of life the race passes through

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and the marathon's finish at the Arabian Sea echoes older overland routes linking Oman's desert interior to its coast

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

9–13 January 2027

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Technical desert running or hiking gear: breathable moisture-wicking layers, a wide-brimmed hat or buff for sun and sand protection, gaiters to keep sand out of shoes, and modest coverage in...

Safety

At Oman Desert Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["ar"] · OMR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map22.57 N, 58.80 EOpen in Google Maps

Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands, A'Sharqiyah Sands, Oman

Nearest airportMCT — Muscat
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearTechnical desert running or hiking gear: breathable moisture-wicking layers, a wide-brimmed hat or buff for sun and sand protection, gaiters to keep sand out of shoes, and modest coverage in line with local norms, with long sleeves doubling as sun protection and cultural courtesy.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Oman and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Oman Desert Marathon?

Oman Desert Marathon is listed for 9–13 January 2027. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Oman Desert Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands, Oman. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Bidiyah/Wahiba Sands, A'Sharqiyah Sands, Oman

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLomandesertmarathon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates9–13 January 2027
Source statusOfficial source linked
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