Oman by UTMB is a 137km ultra marathon in Muscat, Oman. Distance: 137km. Elevation: 6,500m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 60/100). DNF rate: 25%. Time limit: 38h. Surface: varied. Established 2018.
Oman by UTMB
Muscat, Oman
"137km through Oman's ancient mountains and desert canyons — a UTMB World Series spectacle."
Ultra trail running through Oman's dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and desert wadis — a UTMB series event.
The Course
A multi-stage desert race through Oman's Wahiba Sands — a sea of golden sand dunes reaching 100m in height. The route crosses dune ridges, flat gravel plains between dune systems, and occasional rocky outcrops that provide the only solid footing. Navigation is by GPS waypoint — the shifting sand erases all tracks within hours. The terrain is physically exhausting: soft sand that swallows feet to the ankle on climbs, and loose sand descents where controlled sliding is faster than running. Between the dunes, hard-packed sabkha (salt flat) provides brief respite.
mountainous
point-to-point
10
Runner Experience
UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.
Professional UTMB-style finish with crowds, announcements, and a festival atmosphere in the finish area.
Race Day Weather
25°C
15° – 35°
30%
5%
Hot desert conditions with cool nights at altitude. Low humidity but intense sun.
Stats & Records
2018
200
28:00:00
Entry
$400
March
—
Lore & Trivia
The Oman Desert Marathon crosses the Wahiba Sands — a vast dune desert in eastern Oman where waves of golden sand stretch from horizon to horizon. The multi-stage self-supported format requires runners to carry food and equipment between desert camps, navigating by GPS waypoint across terrain that shifts underfoot with every step. Omani Bedouin guides accompany the race, and camps feature traditional Omani hospitality: dates, kahwa coffee, fresh flatbread, and the star-saturated desert sky that Oman's minimal light pollution reveals. The sand dunes reach 100m in height, and the descents — surfing down soft sand — are one of the few pure joys in desert racing.
- ▸ The Al Hajar Mountains contain some of the oldest exposed geology on Earth — over 500 million years old.
- ▸ Runners pass through wadis (dry riverbeds) that can flash flood during rare rain events.
- ▸ Oman by UTMB has quickly become one of the most photogenic ultra races in the world.
- ▸ Established in 2018.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 6500m.
Bedouin hospitality in the desert — dates, kahwa coffee, and the most star-filled sky you'll ever sleep under.
Notable Editions
Sandstorm Challenge
A desert sandstorm hit during the long stage, reducing visibility to metres and forcing runners to shelter behind dune ridges until conditions improved. Those who navigated through it earned a special place in Omani desert running history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Oman by UTMB? +
Oman by UTMB is a 137km (137km) ultra marathon with 6,500m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on varied terrain.
How hard is Oman by UTMB? +
Oman by UTMB is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 60/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 25%. Runners have 38 hours to finish.
How do I enter Oman by UTMB? +
UTMB index qualification required.. Entry costs $400.
What is the weather like at Oman by UTMB? +
Average temperature is 25°C (range 15°C to 35°C) with 30% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Hot desert conditions with cool nights at altitude. Low humidity but intense sun.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Oman by UTMB? +
No crew access is permitted. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Oman by UTMB? +
The average finish time is 28:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 25%.
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