Himam Race : Trail Running Adventure a Challenging Evnet in Oman in 2022

The Himam Trail Running race is an Annual event near the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman. It is one of the toufest races and an Inspiring technical race where participants explore the breathtaking scenery, wadis, and mountains while Omani heritage is never to miss.

It is a world-class race and a well-organized event, where hundreds of runners from within Oman, GCC, and around the world participate.

Facts About Himam Race:

This year is the 3rd Edition of Himam race and event is 3 Days event on Al Hajar Mountains. The first day for registration, race pack collection and 100km race which is on 1st December 2022. On 2nd December 2022, 55 and 100KM races will start and on 3rd December 2022, Family Race will start.

100KM , 55KM and 25KM races are for professionals and those who complete the race will earn points from the International Trail Running Association (ITRA). 10K, 5K and 2K races are for fun and family.

This year in 2022 in Himam Trail Run Race which again takes place in the Hajar mountains hundreds of trail runners will be participating again in the event. This is the best event in Oman
Aiming to celebrate sport, health and the environment in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman, tradition.

Al Hajr Mountains :

Al Hajar Mountain Range is the highest in the Arabian peninsula, separating the low coastal plain of Oman from the high desert plateau. The range is about 100 km (62 mi) wide, with Jabal Shams being the highest peak at 3,009 m (9,872 ft) in the central region of the mountains. This race takes runners into a spectacular journey through Al Hamra, Jabal Akhdar and Birkat Al Mouz (Nizwa).

Major race will start Al Hamra one Thursday at the heart of traditional plantations, magnificent Omani irrigation canals and picturesque villages, taking runners in a journey of discovery. Runners will experience a route that once witnessed international runners coming to compete for the Oman by UTMB in 2019. The route then circles the foothills of Jabal Akhdar before heading to the gates of the old Fort in Birkat Al Mouz where a race village open for spectators awaits their arrival. The 25km and 55km races will begin at Birkat Al Mouz on Friday, with routes designed to give runners a variety of terrain and a taste of culture, ancient history and tradition.

Race Types

There are 3 Challenge races and 3 Family and Fun races.

Al Hajar Range Challenge 100KM Trail Run Race

This challenge is the longest course of the Himam Trail Run. Starting in Al Hamra, the route is flat but blessed with a unique spectacle of lush plantations and ancient houses for about 2km. The terrain starts to ascend as you get close to Misfat Al Abriyyin penetrating breathtaking terraced farms, and at the 7km point, a steep climb of about 5kms will be demanding for runners through until the first feed station checkpoint in Hail Al Jawary on 12km. The steepness then continues for 5kms towards a flat plateau at 2000m altitude on 17km. This will be followed by climbs and descents for around 5km towards the next checkpoint, Sharaf Al Alamain at 22km.

100KM Race Information

This is the toughest and most challenging race the Actual race is 108 km with 5060 elevation gain with the highest point at 2350 altitude. The race will start on Thursday 1st December 2022 at 4:00 PM from Al Hamra and It will finish on Birkat Al Mouz. The time limit for the race is 36 hours and the minimum average pace is 20 minutes per kilometer.

There are various checkpoints and food stations during the race.

Elevation Plot of 100KM Race

Route Map for 100KM Race (Garmin / Strava)

The Adventure on Trails 55KM

The route starts in Birkat Al Mouz, then takes a short journey through the old town and lush date plantations for 4km, before following a wide wadi towards the mountains passing through the village of Tawi Saddah at 8km. The wadi narrows just past the village of Al Muaydin and from here the route follows a path amongst large boulders at 16km, up the deep gorge to Masirat Al Rawajih where the second checkpoint is located.
From here the course follows a dirt road as it zigzags up the steep slope for 4km towards Sallut. Departing Sallut, the course passes through few atmospheric old villages, towards the village of Saiq. From there the course circles Saiq towards Al Aqr for 2km, then the trail descends directly to Sallut and follows the same route as the 100km run back to Birkat Al Mouz.

The Race information of 55KM Race

The race will start on Friday 2nd December 2022 at 6:30 am from Birkat Al Mouz and will also Finish at the same place with a time limit of 14 hours with an elevation gain of 2000 m the parcipants will be at highest point of 2000 meters (altitude) . The minimum pace required is 15KM per hour. Athletes aged 18 and above can participate.

Elevation Plot of 55 KM Race

Route Map for 55 KM Race (Garmin / Strava)

Start-Up Challenge on mountains 25KM

Kicking off in Birkat Al Mouz, the route takes a short journey through the old town and lush date plantations for 4km, before following a wide wadi towards the mountains passing through Tawi Saddah. The wadi narrows just past the village of Al Muaydin and from here the route follows a path amongst large boulders,
up the deep gorges. From here the course turns back at 16km and heads for home back at Birkat Al Mouz.

25KM Race Information

The race will start on 2nd December 2022 at 7:00 AM from Birkat Al Mouz and will also finish at the same place with 28KM of total distance and 200m elevation gain. The time limit is 5 hours and average minimum pace required is 10:45 minutes per kilometer.

Elevation Plot for 25KM Race

Route Map for 25 KM Race (Garmin / Strava)

Other Races

Himam Race Route GPX Files

The GPX files of Himam Trail Run can be downloaded from here

Himam Race Start Location

Himam Race is organized in Al Dakhiliyah Governate of Oman, and it will start from Birkat Al Mouz. The race packs can also be collected from there.

Bay Ar Ridaydah, Birkat Al Mouz

Google Coordinates : 22.925297559769138, 57.66651349543737

Map ID : WMG8+3JR, Birkat Al Mouz

Race Pack Collection

Race Pack Colleciton can be done from Bait Rudaydah, Birkat Al Mouz location map mentioned above. Collection will start from 29th November till Saturday 3rd December between 2:00 PM till 9:00 PM. Partipants must present the barcode.

Himam Race Course

Himam Race Prize Money

Himam Race

Highlights from 2021 Race

d