The Oman by UTMB 2026 runs December 10-12 in the Hajar Mountains, spanning five races from 21.5km to 154km through ancient villages, deep wadis and ridgelines above 2,000m. The race village is Birkat al Mouz. December temperatures of 15-26 degrees make this the ideal season for athletes and adventurers alike.
Most people think of Oman as dunes and camels. The Hajar Mountains — a 700km limestone spine rising to 3,009m — are another country entirely. In December, when the Gulf coast swelters, these highlands cool to 15 degrees at night, falaj channels still carry water through rose-terrace villages, and the air smells of juniper and woodsmoke. This is where, on December 10, 2026, several thousand runners from 69 countries will line up to race one of the most unusual events in the UTMB World Series.
Oman by UTMB returns to the global circuit after a seven-year absence, and it comes back bigger. The 2026 edition offers five distances — from the 21.5km Scenic Ascent to the 154km Hajar Ultra with 8,000m of climbing and a via ferrata section unique in the entire Series — spread across a mountain landscape most travellers have never heard of. Whether you are chasing Running Stones toward Chamonix, spectating for the first time, or simply using the race as a reason to explore one of the Arabian Peninsula’s last great unknowns, this guide covers everything you need to make December in the Hajar count.
The US State Department has issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Oman, citing regional tensions following the 2026 US-Iran hostilities. The UK FCDO advises increased caution. Oman itself has not been directly involved in conflict. Check your government’s current advisory before booking, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and register with your embassy upon arrival.
The Five Races of Oman by UTMB 2026
The race programme spans three days, with bib collection at two locations: Muscat city on December 5-6, and Birkat al Mouz race village on December 8-9.
Hajar Ultra: 154km with a via ferrata section
The Hajar Ultra earns 4 Running Stones toward the UTMB Mont-Blanc Finals — the maximum for a 150km-class race in the Series. The course departs Al Hamra at 15:30 on December 10, passes through Misfat al Abriyeen cliff village around the 30-40km mark, and reaches its technical high point at the via ferrata section at km 87: a fixed-rope passage requiring a harness and helmet, found in no other UTMB World Series race. The 48-hour cutoff means most finishers cross the line at Birkat al Mouz sometime on December 12 in daylight.
Shorter distances: Skyward Canyon, Old Capital Trail and Scenic Ascent
The Skyward Canyon (50km) navigates deep wadi systems that the longer races cross at dawn. The Old Capital Trail (32km) follows the ancient trade route linking Al Hamra and Birkat al Mouz, passing through villages where locals grow pomegranates and dates that end up as aid station fuel. The Scenic Ascent (21.5km) is the most accessible entry point — ideal for runners new to the race or anyone wanting to experience the Hajar without committing to an overnight effort.
The Hajar Mountains: Race Landscape and Key Landmarks
Understanding the terrain makes the race — and the surrounding trip — far richer. The Hajar range divides Oman from the coast to the desert interior, and the UTMB course cuts through its most ancient and dramatic sections.
Jebel Shams: Grand Canyon of Arabia
At 3,009m, Jebel Shams is the highest peak in Oman. Its defining feature is Wadi Ghul — a gorge of 1,000m vertical cliffs that has earned the label Grand Canyon of Arabia. The famous W6 Balcony Walk is a 6km clifftop trail carved directly into the canyon wall. While the true summit is military land, the rim road delivers extraordinary views and access to one of the best day hikes on the Arabian Peninsula.
Jebel Akhdar: The Green Mountain at 2,000m
Jebel Akhdar — the Green Mountain — is where the race begins and ends. The Saiq Plateau at 2,000m hosts terraced orchards of pomegranates, apricots, roses and honey. The plateau was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2025 and sits between two of the most dramatic luxury resorts on the planet: Alila Jabal Akhdar and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, both perched on canyon edges at 2,000m altitude. Race courses pass directly through the plateau’s highest villages.
Birkat al Mouz and Misfat al Abriyeen: villages on the course
Birkat al Mouz is both the race village and the finish line for all major distances. A lush oasis of date palms at the foot of Jebel Akhdar, it is home to the UNESCO-listed Falaj Al Khatmain — one of five ancient aflaj irrigation systems representing Oman’s 3,000-year-old gravity-fed water network. Misfat al Abriyeen, a cliff-side village at 1,000m altitude on the flanks of Jebel Shams, is often called the most beautiful village in Oman. The Hajar Ultra passes through around km 30-40, allowing runners to experience centuries-old stone paths at dawn.
Acclimatisation and Pre-Race Treks
The Hajar Ultra starts at 15:30 — a deliberately late start designed to move runners through the hottest valley sections before sunset. Even so, December temperatures can reach 26 degrees in the lower wadis, and the via ferrata at km 87 demands both altitude fitness and comfort with exposed terrain. Arriving three to five days early is the recommended approach for the longer distances. The Zermatt ski guide on Pixidia Trails covers similar altitude acclimatisation principles for reference: the same logic applies here — give your body time at elevation before the start gun. See our Zermatt Ski Season 2026-2027 guide for a detailed breakdown of how altitude physiology affects performance.
Two-day Hajar immersion: overnight acclimatisation option
Arriving several days early? The overnight tour combining Bahla Fort (UNESCO), Jabreen Castle, and a night near Jebel Shams gives you a sunrise canyon view and a second day at altitude before transferring to the race village. This is the highest-value pre-race option for athletes targeting the Hajar Ultra.
Jebel Shams Balcony Walk from Nizwa: local operator
Running from Nizwa directly to the Balcony Walk, this full-day option with an authentic Omani lunch is operated by a Nizwa-based guide and offers a more local, less tourist-oriented experience of the highest accessible ridge in Oman.
Logistics: Getting There and Where to Stay
Race village day trip from Muscat: the full circuit
Arriving from Muscat with a day to spare before registration? The private full-day circuit combining Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, Birkat al Mouz and Jebel Akhdar covers all the key race geography in a single efficient day — and is the most reviewed Hajar mountain tour available.
Jebel Shams full-day tour from Muscat
Jebel Shams at 3,009m is the defining peak of the race skyline. This private full-day tour from Muscat reaches the Wadi Ghul canyon rim and gives runners their first look at the terrain they will cross — or spectators their first sense of the race’s scale.
Race Packing Checklist
- Race-mandatory kit as per the official UTMB pack list (updated closer to race day on oman.utmb.world)
- Harness and helmet for the via ferrata at km 87 of the Hajar Ultra -- check rental availability at the race village
- Headlamp with at least 200 lumens and spare batteries (long night sections on both Hajar Ultra and Jabal Classic)
- High-SPF sunscreen and a buff or lightweight sun hat (valley sections reach 26 degrees in December)
- Electrolyte tablets -- aid stations provide water, pomegranates and dates, but not electrolyte supplements
- Warm layer for the 2,000m plateau sections (night temperatures drop to 8-10 degrees)
- Trail shoes with aggressive lugs (rocky limestone, some exposed slab near Jebel Shams)
- Travel insurance covering mountain rescue and medical evacuation (Oman: dial 999 for emergency services)
- Oman entry visa -- most nationalities can obtain an e-visa online before departure; check your country's requirements
- Cash in Omani Rial (OMR) for local guesthouses, souqs and village stops along the course
Practical info
FAQ
When does Oman by UTMB 2026 take place?
Oman by UTMB 2026 runs from December 10 to 12, 2026, in the Hajar Mountains. The Hajar Ultra (154km) and Jabal Classic (103km) both start at Al Hamra on December 10 -- the Hajar Ultra at 15:30, the Jabal Classic at 07:00. Bib collection runs December 5-6 in Muscat and December 8-9 at Birkat al Mouz.
What races are on at Oman by UTMB 2026?
Five distances are offered: the Hajar Ultra (154km, 8,000m+, 4 UTMB Running Stones), Jabal Classic (103km, 5,000m+), Skyward Canyon (50km), Old Capital Trail (32km), and Scenic Ascent (21.5km). The Hajar Ultra includes a via ferrata section at km 87 with harness and helmet -- unique in the UTMB World Series.
Can I attend as a spectator at Oman UTMB 2026?
Yes. The race village at Birkat al Mouz, at the foot of Jebel Akhdar, is open to spectators throughout the event. The finish line and all start areas are accessible. December 10-12 temperatures of 15-26 degrees make spectating genuinely comfortable. You can drive to Birkat al Mouz from Nizwa in under 30 minutes.
What is the best base camp near the Oman UTMB race?
The two finest bases are Alila Jabal Akhdar and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort, both perched at 2,000m on the canyon rim of Jebel Akhdar. Budget travellers favour guesthouses in Nizwa (165km from Muscat). Birkat al Mouz itself, the race village, has limited accommodation but is the most atmospheric option for race weekend.
How do I get from Muscat to Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa?
The drive from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Nizwa is 165km on Highway 15, taking about 90 minutes. From Nizwa the mountain road to Jebel Akhdar (Saiq Plateau, 2,000m) is a further 40km -- note that a 4WD vehicle is mandatory above the police checkpoint at the foot of the mountain. No public transport serves the plateau.
Is Oman safe to visit in December 2026?
As of June 2026, the US State Department has issued a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Oman, citing regional tensions following 2026 US-Iran hostilities. The UK FCDO similarly advises increased caution. Oman itself has not been directly involved in any conflict, but travellers should check their government's advisory closer to departure and ensure they have appropriate travel insurance.
What non-runner activities are available in the Hajar Mountains?
The Hajar region offers the W6 Balcony Walk along Jebel Shams canyon (6km, 1,000m drops), Snake Canyon adventure through Wadi Bani Awf, day hikes on Jebel Akhdar Saiq Plateau, and visits to Al Hamra mud-brick town, Misfat al Abriyeen cliff village and Nizwa Fort. Guided day tours from Muscat cover most of these in a single day.
Sources
- Our Races — Oman by UTMB — Oman by UTMB
- HAJAR ULTRA race page — Oman by UTMB — Oman by UTMB
- Jabal Classic race page — Oman by UTMB — Oman by UTMB
- Two new events in Germany and Oman join the UTMB World Series — UTMB World Series
- UTMB World Series 2026 Season Calendar Revealed — UTMB World Series
- Oman by UTMB trail race returns to UTMB World Series 2026 — Oman Observer
- Oman Travel Advisory — Level 3 Reconsider Travel — U.S. Department of State
- Jebel Shams — Wikipedia — Wikipedia
- Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman — UNESCO — Wikipedia / UNESCO
- Alila Jabal Akhdar — official hotel site — Alila Hotels
- Misfat al Abriyeen — Wikipedia — Wikipedia
- UTMB 2026 Adds Zugspitz and Oman to World Series — The Ultrarunner
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