Al Mouj Muscat Marathon expecting 1,200 participants

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is all set to flag off Al Mouj Muscat Marathon to be held in collaboration with Sabco Sports this weekend.

With the participation of around 1,200 runners, the marathon in five different categories has been distributed over two days - Friday and Saturday.

Samira al Shukaili, Director of the Sports Activity Department in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said that the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon comes in fulfillment of the strategic vision of Oman towards a sporting society and will contribute to building a healthy and active society.

She pointed out that this race is being organised as part of the ministry’s efforts to promote Oman as a sports destination, and create opportunities for investments in sports and tourism.

Ali al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports, said that the idea behind holding this marathon is to highlight the importance of physical activity, which preferably should be adopted at young age.

The event would also bring to the fore the range of sporting activities that the sultanate offers throughout the year.

The race this year will have five categories: Full (42.2km) and half (21.1km) marathons for participants aged 17 years and above; 10km race for participants aged 15 years and above; 5km race for participants aged 12 years and above; and the kids’ run (minimum 7 years) with three categories of distance 1km, 2km and 3km.

While the full and half marathons along with the 10km race will be held on Friday, the 5km race and the kids’ run will be held the next day.