OMAN by UTMB® offers new courses for beginners and young runners

Young runners and beginners are invited to get a true taste of trail running with the launch of new beginner and youth courses at this year’s OMAN by Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).

At this year’s OMAN by UTMB® trail running event, youngsters from the age of six can experience an epic adventure offered in the 2km, 5km and 10km courses.

Adults new to trail running will now have the option of running the 2km (parents of junior runners only), 5km and 10km.

Starting and finishing in Al Hamra, the OMAN by UTMB® venue is surrounded by breath-taking views of the Sultanate’s mountainous interior. Young runners taking up the off-road challenge will follow safe low-level routes through a region featuring lush plantations and terraces.

Featuring elevation gains ranging from 34+ to 295+ metres, the 2km, 5km and 10km distance categories will be hosted on 30 November 2019, the final day of the second edition of the pioneering OMAN by UTMB® event.

10km race, for 15+ year-olds, features an elevation gain of 295m+, and the entry fee is OMR 10. Those aged 15 and above, who are keen to get an extensive feel for trail running may undertake the 10km course.

The 5km course, ideal for children 12-years-old and above, offers elevation gain of 125m+ with an entry fee of OMR 5. However, young runners between the ages of six-13, can opt for a 2km course that has an elevation gain of 34m+. The entry fee for this will be OMR 2.

In addition to this, parents looking for a fun family day out may also enter the 2km category with their child and accompany them in this year’s most exciting off-road adventure by registering online.

“This is a golden - and not to be missed - opportunity for kids to explore Oman’s nature and appreciate its beauty,” said Ahmed Darweesh Al Balushi, secretary general of the Oman Sports School Association.

“These new races will encourage kids to get active, have fun and appreciate the great outdoors,” he added.

Educational establishments across Oman are invited to register students for the OMAN by UTMB® youth running challenge. 20 per cent discounted entry is available to University students and a prize of OMR 1000 to be spent on sports equipment is on offer to the school and university that each has the highest number of trail run finishers on race day.

The introduction of the youth races was warmly welcomed by Omani trail runner Hamdan Al Khatri, who was the first Omani runner to finish last year’s OMAN by UTMB® and recently completed a race at the classic UTMB Chamonix event.

“Anything that encourages kids to take up this sport is a good thing and they will have a great time taking part. Oman is blessed with a fantastic variety of landscapes with the mountains at its heart – which is something that will give our youth an advantage at doing well in this sport!” Al Khatri said.

Moreover, the second edition of OMAN by UTMB® begins on 28 November, which will host the start of the original 130km race as well as a new extended 170km challenge. All finishers in these categories earn a guaranteed entry for UTMB®2020 in Chamonix.

Another new event, the 50km race aimed at trail runners looking for a shorter and still challenging course starts on 29 November.

For registration, all these races can be entered at https://omanbyutmb.com/enter/