Oman to host world’s formidable fitness challenge in Oct, Dec

Muscat: Oman will host the Spartan races, one of the world’s formidable fitness challenges, in the third week of this month in Muscat and Dhofar.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has partnered with Spartan Arabia to host Spartan Races as part of the Group’s continued efforts to bring some of the world’s most renowned sporting events to the country. Such events draw in a large number of contestants and spectators from all over the world and contribute to the promotion and visibility of Oman as a prominent global tourist destination.

Inspired by the warrior culture of ancient Sparta and featuring dozens of obstacles designed to test strength, stamina, endurance and perseverance, Spartan races have become popular across the globe since launching in 2010, with more than 2,500 annual events across 42 countries to date.

Timed to coincide with Al Sarb (the spring season) and with the support of Dhofar Municipality, the Dhofar Governorate will host the first Spartan race in the Wilayat of Salalah, adjacent to Ad Dahariz Beach, on October 14. The second will be held in the Governorate of Muscat as part of the Oman World Cup Programme on December 16 and 17.

OMRAN Group CEO Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi said, “The partnership with Spartan Arabia embodies our efforts to provide visitors and residents with diverse tourism products in line with the National Tourism Strategy. Furthermore, these races represent the tireless efforts of several parties in developing Oman’s sports tourism sector, which in return contributes to the promotion of various tourist destinations across the country and attracts visitors from both inside and outside Oman. This also further strengthens the tourism sector’s role in achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

Rayyan Yacob Agha, Managing Director of Spartan Arabia, said, “Our vision is to create a bright future for obstacle racing in the Sultanate of Oman, together with OMRAN Group. We are confident that the Spartan races will become one of the Sultanate of Oman’s premier sporting events, inspiring both the local youth as well as tourists from all over the world.”

The Spartan Super race is open to both men and women and will take place over a 10km course, with 25 obstacles to overcome, including mud, water, fire and barbed wire. Two Spartan Sprint races will take place – one mixed for males and females, and one for females only. Both will take place over 5km, with 20 obstacles.

Three Spartan kids races will also take place for different age groups. The 4 to 6-year-old race will take place over 800 metres, with the 7 to 9-year-old race over 1.6km, and the 10 to 14-year-old race over 3.2km. All Spartan kids races are open to both genders.

Those interested in participating can register via the Spartan’s website https://arabia.spartan.com, no later than October 12. Registered participants will have the opportunity to join complementary workout tours at the Khor Ad Dahariz Beach on October 7.