TravTalk India Online Magazine
New Delhi: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has partnered with Sabco Sports to increase the reach of the event and promote Oman’s potential to become the next great sports and adventure tourism destination. Scheduled on 26-27 of January, the event has grown to become Oman’s biggest run and now aims to capture a growing global audience seeking exciting tourism experiences.
Haitham bin Mohammed Al-Ghasani, the Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, affirmed, “The tourism sector experienced remarkable growth in 2023, and we foresee the continuation of this positive trend. Sports tourism events constitute a fundamental strategic pillar embraced by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to enhance inbound tourist traffic to the Sultanate of Oman. The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon holds a prominent position in the ministry’s tourism calendar for 2024, serving as a catalyst for attracting international participants, alongside the active participation of local runners from across the Sultanate. Our enduring objective is to showcase Oman’s culture, beauty, and unique experiences, emphasizing its capacity to host a diverse array of tourism events to appeal to various types of travelers. This event significantly contributes to promotional, economic, and social gains, leading to the diversification of the economy through sports tourism activities.”
“We are very proud to partner with the Ministry of Heritage of Tourism and excited to introduce Oman to new audiences and encourage more people to visit this amazing country using the mass appeal of sport. With awe-inspiring nature, authentic charm and world class facilities, Oman continues to develop a reputation for being a vibrant destination for local and international tourists and can play a role in developing a thriving tourism sector in the coming years,” says Ali Al Ajmi, General Manager of Sabco Sports.
Organised by Sabco Sports and hosted by Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premier destination and title sponsor of the event, there are five race categories to choose from ranging from 1km, 2km and 3km Kids’ Runs to a half- and full marathon. All finishers will receive a tech t-shirt and a medal to celebrate their achievement.
Over 12,000 runners of all ages are expected, with registrations flowing in from across the nation and around the world to experience the unique atmosphere of the race and spend a fun-filled weekend at Al Mouj Muscat.
Registration is currently open in all five race categories with promotional rates available for a limited time through the official website, www.muscatmarathon.om.
About Al Mouj Muscat
Al Mouj Muscat is a destination without an equal. It has redefined urban living in the region with an impressive portfolio of oceanfront residential properties, luxury and authentic hospitality, elegant Business Parks, award-winning architecture, and well-designed landscapes.
A warm and diverse community at the heart of Oman’s capital, Al Mouj Muscat created a sense of belonging for over 7000 residents from 85 nationalities who now call it home. With a vibrant dining and retail district, residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences in a lively oceanfront setting.
Al Mouj Muscat provides an exclusive lifestyle that urges families and individuals to live life to the fullest, do better, see more and live richer. For work or leisure, residents and visitors can stay, dine or relax at seven luxury hotels, including Kempinski and St. Regis, experience boating in Oman’s largest Marina, or awaken their sense of play at an 18-hole championship golf course that’s listed in the world’s top 100.
At Al Mouj Muscat, every moment spent, every opportunity explored, is life Inspired.
About Al Mouj Muscat Marathon
First organized by Muscat Road Runners in 2012 with 135 competitors, Muscat Marathon has quickly grown in stature. In 2017, the event became known as the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon with Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premier lifestyle destination, Oman Sail and Muscat Road Runners joining forces.
Fast-forward to 2019 and the marathon, marathon relay, half marathon and 10km routes were all certified by world-running organization AIMS, aligning the event with International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) standards. The Charity Fun Run 5km saw thousands of runners raise money for good causes and the Kids’ Run sold out in record time!
The last edition hosted just under 12000 runners competing in six race categories across a two-day festival of running. 103 different nationalities were represented, furthering the marathon’s reputation as the most iconic event on the Sultanate of Oman’s sporting calendar. The event had to be cancelled in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic but returns in 2022 under the management of Sabco Sports with the aim of reigniting Oman’s passion for an active lifestyle and creating memorable experiences.
About Sabco Sports
Oman’s premier Boutique Sports Agency, Sabco Sports focuses on Sports Marketing, Sports Consultancy, Sports Events and Sponsorship, as well as managing the Corporation’s interest in Sports, Players, Clubs and Associations. Sabco Sports actively ideates and executes local and national tournaments, for schools, institutions, and the government.
