New categories announced for Salomon Wadi Bih Run

Participants at this year’s run, which was held in the Wadi Bih canyon in the UAE and Oman. Courtesy Salomon Wadi Bih Run

The Salomon Wadi Bih Run, one of the country’s longest-running races, will take place next year in Dibba on February 6 and 7.

The 23rd edition of the race will feature new categories for solo and team relays.

All solo races will take place on February 6, with a 50km and 72km races, and a new 30km route also. Relay teams can choose to run a 50km course on February 6 or the original 72km route the next day.

The 50km route has been introduced this year to encourage both younger runners and family teams.

Both relays are for teams of five, with one female runner mandatory, on routes marked in stages ranging from 1.5km to 4.2km in distance.

All categories will start and finish at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Dibba, located on the shores of the east coast of the Musandam Peninsula in Oman, just 60km north of Fujairah, providing runners with the option to staying the night at the hotel or camp on the beach nearby.

“With over 1,000 metres of ascent, it’s a great physical challenge and a refreshing chance to escape from the city and into the mountains,” said John Young, race director.

“We urge entrants to register soon to avoid disappointment for this fantastic weekend away.”

Individual runners must take turns to run each stage while their support vehicle transports the other team members along the course, except for the first and last stage where four members of the team are required to run together.

Runners can register online at www.premieronline.com.

Registration will close on January 9, or when the maximum number of entrants has been reached.

Entrants are required to register passport and visa online in advance for border crossing.