2026 Oman Desert Marathon Highlights: A Mentaly, Physically Challenging Race
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This story is a combination of two press releases from Icarus Sports on the 2026 Oman Desert Marathon, dated 10th and 11th January.
Day 1: International Runners Conquer Opening Stage of Oman Desert Marathon
Bidiyah, Oman – January 10, 2026 – The inaugural stage of the Oman Desert Marathon concluded today with remarkable performances from elite athletes representing over 20 nations, battling the challenging desert terrain.
In the men’s 165km category, Mohammed Elmorabity (Morocco) claimed victory with an impressive average speed of 12.2 km/h, demonstrating exceptional endurance and tactical prowess. His brother Rachid Elmorabity (Morocco) secured second place at 11.0 km/h, while Saleh Alsaidi (Oman) took third place with 10.6 km/h, delighting home supporters.
The women’s 165km division saw Aziza Elamrany (Morocco) dominate the field with a strong pace of 8.3 km/h. Fellow Moroccan Aziza Raji finished second at 7.8 km/h, while Natalie Taylor (United Kingdom) claimed third place at 7.4 km/h.
Stage 1 covered 40 kilometers through a breathtaking desert landscape, testing runners across three distinct phases.The opening 10 kilometers featured soft, runnable sand, allowing athletes to settle into rhythm. The middle 20 kilometers introduced challenging elevation gains—not overly steep, but sufficient to engage the legs and test early-stage strategy. The final 20 kilometers delivered stunning dune climbs that were as beautiful as they were brutal, becoming true leg-killers in the day’s heat.
Temperatures soared to 32°C, testing the resolve of all participants in the 165km multi-stage ultra-marathon from countries including Morocco, Oman, France, Italy, Germany, China, Iran, Vietnam, South Korea, the United Kingdom and beyond. The event also featured single-day races (42km, 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km) that started simultaneously, with strong local participation in the shorter distances and international visitors favoring the marathon and half-marathon events.
“The conditions today were extremely challenging,” noted race organizers. “The soft sand opening, elevation through the middle section, and those final dune climbs demanded both physical strength and mental fortitude. We’re proud of every runner who completed this stage.”
Notable performances included Team TGCC’s dominant Moroccan brothers Mohammed and Rachid Elmorabity taking first and second overall, while Omani runners Saleh Alsaidi, Ghaith Al-Saeedi, and Khalid Al Farsi represented their nation strongly on home soil. The women’s race saw Moroccan expertise shine, with Aziza Elamrany and Aziza Raji claiming the top two positions, while Britain’s Natalie Taylor rounded out the podium.
As evening fell, all runners and hikers arrived safely at camp for showers, physiotherapy sessions, and podiatry services as needed. The mandatory 7:00 PM briefing provided instructions for Stage 2, including course expectations and expert advice from the physiotherapy team and race organizers on camp living and recovery strategies.
Tomorrow’s Stage 2 promises 29 km with more presence of dunes and fewer flat areas, with runners departing at 6:30 AM.
About the Oman Desert Marathon:
The Oman Desert Marathon is a multi-stage, ultra self-sufficient endurance event attracting elite runners from around the globe to test their limits across 165 km and 100 km of challenging desert terrain over five days. The event also hosts single-day races (42km, 21km, 10km, 5km) that have become popular with both international visitors and local participants.
Day 2: Desert Marathon Stage 2: Moroccan Athletes Dominate as Course Tests Mental and Physical Limits
Sharqiya South, 11th January 2026 – Stage 2 of the Desert Marathon concluded today with Moroccan athletes delivering commanding performances across both men’s and women’s divisions, while the desert landscape provided a masterclass in psychological endurance.
STAGE 2 RESULTS – 165KM DIVISION
Men’s Division:
- ELMORABITY Mohammed (Morocco)
- ELMORABITY Rachid (Morocco)
- SALEH Alsaidi (Oman)
Women’s Division:
- AZIZA Elamrany (Morocco)
- AZIZA Raji (Morocco)
- NATALIE Taylor (Great Britain)
Morocco achieved a remarkable double triumph, with siblings claiming first and second positions in both categories. Brothers Mohammed and Rachid ELMORABITY executed a flawless tactical race in the men’s division, while runners Elamrany Aziza and Raji AZIZA replicated the achievement in the women’s competition.
Oman’s SALEH Alsaidi secured third place in the men’s race, benefiting from local knowledge and support, while Great Britain’s NATALIE Taylor claimed the final women’s podium position with a determined performance throughout the demanding course.
A Course of Contrasts
Stage 2 presented runners with two distinct challenges. The route commenced with a spectacular section through towering sand dunes, requiring technical climbing skills and precise navigation. The undulating terrain, while visually stunning, demanded constant adaptation and careful energy management.
The latter portion transformed into long, straight sand roads. While appearing less technically demanding, these sections presented a significant psychological challenge. The unchanging landscape and visible but seemingly unreachable finish line tested mental resilience as much as physical endurance.
“The dunes were brutal on the body, but those straight roads were brutal on the mind,” observed Cindy Haase (Germany). “It’s a different kind of exhaustion.”
Temperature conditions added another layer of difficulty, with early morning cool giving way to intense midday heat that felt significantly elevated on the exposed sand roads, where shade was non-existent. The combination of direct sun and heat radiating from the sand surface created particularly challenging conditions during the middle hours of the stage.
Celebrating All Finishers
As evening approached, the final participants completed the stage to enthusiastic support from fellow competitors. MENNO Spoelstra (Netherlands), along with Great Britain’s ROBERT Clack and CLAIRE Fielding, demonstrated the perseverance that defines ultra-endurance racing.
Clack and Fielding are competing under the “Medic to Medic” initiative, utilizing their desert marathon challenge to raise awareness for humanitarian medical assistance programs.
“Every finisher today earned their place in this race,” said race director Said al Hajri. “The final competitors crossing the line showed the same determination and courage as our podium finishers.”
Looking Ahead
With Stage 2 complete, the overall standings reflect Morocco’s current strength, though significant racing remains. Medical staff report all participants in good condition, with proper hydration protocols and foot care proving essential for continued participation.
Stage 3 commences tomorrow (Monday 12th), marking the midpoint of the multi-day event. Course conditions and strategic positioning will prove crucial as athletes navigate the remaining stages.
