| Monday, 12th of January 2026 |
| Bidiyah, Oman – January 12, 2026 – The third stage of the Oman Desert Marathon 165km & 100km concluded today, marking the midpoint of the five-stage ultra-endurance event. Athletes demonstrated notable adaptation to desert conditions despite cumulative fatigue from three consecutive days of competition. The varied terrain through vegetated dune systems provided contrasting running surfaces, with compact sections facilitating faster pace and soft sand areas requiring increased energy expenditure. STAGE 3 RESULTS – 165KM DIVISION Men’s Division: ELMORABITY Mohammed (Morocco) ELMORABITY Rachid (Morocco) SALEH Alsaidi (Oman) Women’s Division: AZIZA Elamrany (Morocco) AZIZA Raji (Morocco) Dr. NATALIE Taylor (Great Britain) STAGE 3 RESULTS – 100KM DIVISION Men’s Division: SULEIMAN al khatri (Oman) YUSUF alnaabi (Oman) PAUL Groom (Great Britain) Women’s Division: WANG He (China) Moroccan athletes maintained their dominant positions across both men’s and women’s 165km divisions for the second consecutive stage. Brothers Mohammed and Rachid ELMORABITY secured first and second positions respectively in the men’s competition, while Elamrany AZIZA and Raji AZIZA replicated this achievement in the women’s division. Oman’s SALEH Alsaidi retained third position in the men’s category. Dr. NATALIE Taylor of Great Britain maintained her third-place standing in the women’s 165km division. Dr. Taylor, a serving British Army medical officer, has combined competitive performance with scientific observation of the desert ecosystem throughout the event. “The competition has provided opportunities to observe desert fauna including reptilian trackways, ophidian trail patterns, and coleopteran movement signatures,” stated Dr. Taylor. “The biodiversity indicators present in this environment exceed common perceptions of desert ecosystems.” |
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| Environmental and Performance Conditions Stage 3 course routing traversed undulating dune formations featuring scattered vegetation and resilient bush species. Surface conditions varied significantly, with consolidated sand sections providing optimal efficiency for sustained running pace, while unconsolidated soft sand areas necessitated increased muscular effort and reduced velocity. Meteorological conditions commenced at 16 degrees Celsius during the early morning start time, with ambient temperatures increasing substantially throughout the competitive period as solar radiation intensified during midday hours. Race medical staff documented improved physiological adaptation among participants despite three days of accumulated physical stress. Athletic performance metrics indicate successful acclimatization to environmental demands and competitive workload. Mandatory equipment loads remain consistent with event regulations, though consumable supplies, primarily nutritional provisions, have reduced pack weight as athletes progress through their required food allocations. This incremental mass reduction provides marginal performance benefits while maintaining safety standards. “Clinical observations indicate athletes are achieving expected adaptation patterns,” reported race medical personnel. “Continued vigilance regarding injury prevention and early intervention protocols remains essential for participant welfare and event completion rates.” |
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| Throughout the participant field, competitive determination remained consistent. Athletes including JAEHYUN Park (Republic of Korea), TRAN Tuyet Mai (Vietnam), ROBERT Clack and CLAIRE Fielding (Great Britain, competing under the Medic to Medic charitable initiative), and MENNO Spoelstra (Netherlands) continued their progressive completion of stage requirements, each managing individual race strategies while contributing to the broader community dynamic characteristic of multi-stage ultra-endurance events. In the 100km division, Omani athletes SULEIMAN al khatri and YUSUF alnaabi delivered strong performances on home terrain, securing first and second positions respectively in the men’s category. PAUL Groom of Great Britain completed the men’s podium in third position. WANG He of China maintained dominant form in the women’s 100km category, securing the stage victory. With the midpoint stage completed, two competitive stages remain in the five-stage event format. The cumulative nature of multi-stage desert racing will continue to test recovery capacity, injury management, and psychological resilience as athletes manage progressive fatigue alongside reduced pack weight and proximity to event completion. Stage 4 will commence following the scheduled rest period, with a comprehensive course briefing to be conducted during the pre-stage technical meeting. About the Oman Desert Marathon The Oman Desert Marathon is a multi-stage ultra-endurance event conducted in the Bidiyah region of Oman, bringing together international athletes to compete across challenging desert terrain. The event operates in both 165km and 100km divisions, with competitors navigating extreme environmental conditions while carrying mandatory safety and survival equipment. The event emphasizes athletic performance, participant safety, and environmental stewardship within the unique desert ecosystem of the Sultanate of Oman. |
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| Text Credits: Oman Desert Marathon Photo Credits: Oman Desert Marathon Video Credits: Oman Desert Marathon |