Register for the scenic Muscat Marathon by December 31

Runners at the 2016 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon in Oman. Courtesy Mohsin Al Shuaili / Al Mouj Muscat Marathon

Hit the New Year running with the 2017 Muscat Marathon on January 27.

The sixth annual Al Mouj Marathon in Oman has three racing categories: the full marathon at 42.2 kilometres, which starts at 6am (Dh300); the half marathon at 21.09km at 7am (Dh250); and the 10km run at 8am (Dh200).

The marathon is jointly organised by the Muscat Road Runners and Oman Sail. Participants can sign up for pre-run workout tours with physiology trainer and soccer professional Chad Zlateff. The next two sessions are on January 6 and January 13. Alternatively, you can download a marathon training guide put together by Horizon Fitness here.

Starting at Oman’s lifestyle destination Al Mouj, the marathon will head north along the coastline, offering runners a flat, scenic route all the way to the coastal fishing city of Al Seeb.

“Our country’s natural environment gives us a competitive advantage as more and more people use long-distance running and sport in general as a platform for travel,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Oman Sail’s chief marketing officer.

More than 900 runners have already registered, including Iceland’s Asta Parker, winner of the women’s marathon for several years who also completed the 165-kilometre 2016 Oman Desert Marathon in Wahiba. The women’s contingent in 2017 also includes Jane Hodgson, who came second in the 2016 Super Veterans Marathon; and Helen Graham who came in third.

High-profile racers in the men’s category include Omani runner Sami Alsaidi, 23, who was the overall winner and the winner of the men’s event in 2016; Robert Ambrose, who finished second in the 2016 Super Veterans Marathon; and Nick Conlan, second placed in the half marathon.

Every competitor will receive a finisher’s medal and for each category there will be prize money for the first, second and third places. Participants will also receive a bib and technical shirt during registration on January 26, between 4.30pm and 8,30pm.

For more information, visit http://muscatmarathon.om

To register, visit https://www.premieronline.com/event/Muscat_Marathon_2017_2024