6-hour challenge - Al Jabal Al Akhdar

The 6-Hour Mountain Running Challenge will take place on Friday, 7 August 2026, in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, one of the most renowned mountain destinations in the Sultanate of Oman. Located within the Al Hajar Mountain range at an elevation of over 2,000 meters above sea level, Al Jabal Al Akhdar is famous for its pleasant climate, breathtaking landscapes, deep valleys, terraced farms, and scenic mountain trails.

The challenge is a time-based event rather than a fixed-distance race, where all participants start simultaneously and aim to cover the greatest possible distance within six continuous hours. The race will be conducted on a 5-kilometer loop course, featuring varied mountain terrain, including ascents, descents, and elevation changes, with one aid station available on the course to provide water and basic refreshments for participants throughout the event.

The course is designed to simulate real mountain racing conditions and provide a true test of endurance, resilience, and race management skills. The event is intended to help runners develop their endurance, pacing, energy management, and nutrition strategies while preparing for the upcoming racing season. Due to its high altitude, Al Jabal Al Akhdar offers cooler temperatures than most parts of Oman during this time of year, along with refreshing mountain air and spectacular panoramic views, creating a unique and memorable race experience.

To ensure participant safety and preparedness, all runners are required to carry essential equipment, including a cap or hat, a trail running backpack, trail running shoes, soft flasks or a suitable hydration system, a sports watch, an emergency whistle, a fully charged mobile phone, a waterproof jacket, and sufficient energy gels or nutrition supplies to sustain them throughout the six-hour challenge. The use of one or two trekking poles is also recommended to assist with climbing and descending on mountainous terrain.