The Himam Trail Run Race 2025 has entered its final countdown, with organizers confirming operational readiness for the three-day event scheduled from 11 to 13 December. This edition will be the largest since the race’s inception, bringing together 4,500 runners from 68 countries — a reflection of the event’s growing international profile and its place among the region’s prominent trail-running competitions. This year also follows a significant milestone for the organization, as Himam was officially appointed the organizer of Oman by UTMB® 2026, strengthening its role on the global trail-running calendar. Preparations for the 2025 race have involved months of fieldwork across the Al Hajar Mountains, including course refinement, safety planning, medical coordination, and multi-agency support to ensure the event runs smoothly across all categories.
The races begin on Thursday, 11 December, with the flagship Al Hajar ULTRA 120KM, the most demanding distance of the series. Starting in Al Hamra, the route ascends through historic mountain pathways towards the elevated plateaus of Jabal Akhdar before descending into Birkat Al Mouz. The course is recognized for its sharp elevation changes, technical single-track sections, narrow rocky corridors, and heritage farming trails. Its mix of terrain continues to attract elite runners and experienced amateurs, offering conditions that reflect both the rugged landscape and cultural continuum of Oman’s mountain communities.
On Friday, the program continues with Skyward Canyon 60KM from Izki, featuring canyon paths, stepped climbs, and exposed ridgelines characteristic of the central Hajar range. The day also includes the Old Capital Trail 35KM in Nizwa — a new race that connects participants to one of Oman’s most historically significant urban centers. Later in the afternoon, the Scenic Sprint 20KM departs from Birkat Al Mouz, taking runners through vantage points overlooking date-palm oases, terraced fields, and traditional village routes. Collectively, these races offer a cross-section of the geological and cultural settings that define the region.
Organizers reported that preparations for the 2025 edition have reached an advanced phase. All routes underwent detailed assessments by medical, logistics, and operations teams to verify course markings, evaluate technical segments, and ensure aid stations meet required standards. Emergency procedures were updated in coordination with response agencies, and simulation exercises were held to test readiness ahead of race week. These operational enhancements form part of the broader development undertaken as Himam prepares to host Oman by UTMB® the following year.
One of the defining features of the 2025 edition is its exceptional elite athlete roster, bringing together world-class runners from vastly different mountain environments. According to the official elite list, the 120KM men’s field features global names such as Rachid El Morabity (Morocco), Theo Detienne (France), Mohammad Reza Jelodar (Iran), Clement Deffrenne (France), Salameh AlAqra (Jordan), and Omar El Sawi (Egypt).
The 120KM women’s field includes defending Himam champion Maite Mayora (Spain), alongside Wenfei Xie (China), known for her strong performances across technical Asian terrains.
In the 60KM category, elite contenders include Vlad Ixel (Australia) and Navil Shaimukhametov (Russia).
Oman’s elite representation is equally significant. The 120KM field includes national runners Hamdan Al Khatri, Khalid Al Farsi, Khalid Al Hatmi, Saleh Al Saidi, and Sami Al Saidi, all of whom continue to demonstrate strong progression across domestic and regional competitions.
The Himam Trail Run Race is supported by a wide network of partners led by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. Key operational support comes from the Sultan’s Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Oman Police, and the Ministry of Health, with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs contributing through community engagement initiatives. The Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, the Oman Scouts and Guides, and the University of Nizwa play important roles in on-ground coordination and volunteer support. Corporate backing is provided by OXY Oman, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Oman LNG, and Sohar Aluminium, reflecting strong national commitment to sports and community programs.
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