2018 Runners' Guide
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2018 RUNNERS' GUIDE omanbyutmb.com This event marks the start of an exciting new era; it is an honour to be introducing Oman as the newest addition to the UTMB® calendar and WELCOME we are thrilled to be welcoming ultra trail runners from 56 different nations to compete here in the Sultanate. TO THE FIRST Oman prides itself on its authenticity, traditions and friendly approach to visitors. Our beautiful Dear runners, country offers a warm welcome in addition to sea, mountains, desert, ancient culture and EDITION A heartfelt welcome to the Sultanate of Oman. contemporary cosmopolitanism. We are thrilled to be hosting the inaugural edition We hope that you will take the opportunity to of Oman by UTMB®, an international event that enjoy what the Sultanate has to offer during unites our community and showcases the beauty your stay and wish you all the very best as you OF OMAN ® of our country to the world. undertake the Oman by UTMB 2018 challenge. ® Exploring the country’s unique landscapes, Oman by UTMB® 2018 promises an authentic and BY UTMB challenging route in the Middle East. The heights Yours sincerely, of Jebel Al Akhdar, the Green Mountain, will H.E Maitha Al Mahrouqi provide an exhilarating and competitive event for the hundreds of you who have seized the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism 29 November - 1 December 2018 opportunity to take part in this first edition. of Oman and Chairwoman of Oman Sail 01 THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION HAS MOTIVATED US SINCE THE CREATION OF OUR VERY FIRST UTMB®. We establish and organise UTMB® races for the benefit of running enthusiasts who devote an enormous amount of time to participating in these challenges hosted in mountainous environments. Our ultra trails are demanding and cater for athletes who show commitment to undertaking long distances and are happy to undertake the considerable race preparation necessary for each event. We appeal to runners who aspire to exceed their previous achievements and seek outstanding adventure, both individually and collectively. Enthusiasm for our races is shared by everybody: runners, their families and friends, the trail running community, local communities at the race destinations, running organisations, our sponsorship partners and spectators. When we look to establish a UTMB® event, we endeavour to select economically developed locations with a good quality of life and organise these races according to our ethical code, with respect for people, sporting regulations and our playground, the environment. Every element must be perfect: from the UTMB® registration, start line experience, coverage of the race, competitor safety, tracking and assistance of the runners, right through to the finish line. These days, thanks to UTMB® International, the global reach of the UTMB® brand leads us to support events with similar DNA around the world, thereby creating a big family. Here in Oman, we discovered in its mountains a perfect place to enjoy an incredible adventure. We wish you an amazing and unforgettable journey as you complete this challenge in the Sultanate’s Jebel Al Akhdar region. Catherine and Michel Poletti, Founders of UTMB® 02 OUR EVENT PARTNERS ABOUT ALILA JABAL AKHDAR OFFICIAL SUPPORTER Alila Hotels and Resorts is a hotel management company based in Singapore with a portfolio of 11 properties located in Indonesia, India and Oman. In Oman, Alila Hotels and Resorts operates the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort which is located 2,000 metres above sea level in the Al Hajar Mountains. This rugged, mountainous region is one of Oman’s most compelling tourist destinations with a stunning landscape that includes Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, and Jebel Al Akhdar, considered the fruit bowl of Oman, which makes the area a haven for adventure travellers, nature lovers and those seeking a retreat from the desert heat. The word Alila means 'surprise' in Sanskrit, which is a philosophy prominent in the design of its properties. The architecture of Alila Jabal Akhdar is inspired by ancient forts and built using traditional Omani construction techniques, where the combination of local stones and contemporary architecture have created a uniquely relaxing environment with mesmerising views of the cliff and mountains. ABOUT TANFEEDH CRAFTED LUXURY AWAITS YOU Blending seamlessly with its breathtaking mountain backdrop, Alila Jabal Akhdar offers you more than Tanfeedh is a national diversification initiative driven by Oman’s Ministry of a mere haven of tranquillity and calm. Tourism to promote sports tourism, cultural events and business activity within the Sultanate. Development of the tourism industry can have a profound impact on Surrounded by the splendour of Oman’s Green Mountain experience high altitude adventure the national economy. This facilitates economic diversification and growth, creates tailored to your desires; experience spiritual and corporeal indulgence at our holistic Spa Alila; meaningful employment, preserves cultural integrity and helps to protect the experience gastronomic extravagance at our sumptuous international restaurant. environment. The benefits will be used to drive socio-economic prosperity, in a manner reflecting the We welcome you to experience surprisingly different. Sultanate’s historic, cultural and natural heritage, alongside its traditional warm sense of hospitality. These long-term plans are powered by the Ministry of Tourism’s goal to deliver substantial benefits to local communities and residents across the Sultanate. They raise awareness, both nationally and globally of Oman’s activities and potential, promote close cooperation between government and the private sector and encourage world-renowned brands and events to choose the Sultanate of Oman as a world-class host venue. For reservations please contact - [email protected] www.alilahotels.com 03 @alilajabalakhdar An OMRAN owned resort 01 ABOUT OMAN BY UTMB® 04 SUPPORTED BY UTMB® INTERNATIONAL, OMAN BY UTMB® IS THE LATEST EDITION TO THE UTMB® FAMILY AND AIMS TO BECOME THE PREMIER ULTRA TRAIL EVENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA. Assisted by local guides, UTMB® founder Michel Poletti mapped out the 137km route which covers a fantastic variety of terrain. Oman by UTMB® will journey through deep gorges, lush oases, thirteen ancient villages and mountain ridges – a tough course providing a true test. The Green Mountain is famed for its rose water, refreshing cooler climate and fruit orchards, which are typically laid out in terraces on the mountain slopes, endowed with natural springs and falaj. The runners' journey will lead them off the beaten tourist tracks, allowing them to explore the Sultanate’s hidden gems that are located deep within its rugged, untouched landscapes. In 2019 the ultra trail route will be extended over the summit of Jebel Shams (2900m - the highest mountain in Arabia) to cover even more stunning terrain. Providing a long course of 100 miles with over 10,000m of vertical gain, the trail will certainly rank as one of the toughest and most technically challenging in the world. Also new for next year’s edition will be challenges featuring shorter distances, enabling many more competitors to enjoy the fantastic terrain of Jebel Al Akhdar and experience the thrill of being part of this great event. 19h30m x 15 Birkat Al Mouz 137km 10,000m 44 h 29/11/2018 trail route vertical gain max 44 h x 11 19:30 max 500 05 02 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 06 DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION NOTES Wednesday All day Transfers from Muscat to Golden Tulip Pickups: Muscat Airport (International 28 November (See transfer schedule) and Nizwa Hotel Apartments Arrivals) and Sahwa Roundabout parking Athletes must have their race pack with them and all obligatory equipment available to check. 18:00 – 21:00 Bib Collection and Jabel Akhdar Banquet Hall Athletes without all items of required equipment Equipment Check foyer, Golden Tulip, Nizwa will not be allowed to start. Runners must also have their identification and proof of insurance. This will cover the route, event safety and start 19:00 Athlete and Supporters Jabel Akhdar Banquet Hall, and finish arrangements. It will be repeated on Welcome and Briefing Golden Tulip, Nizwa the 29th. Athletes must have their race pack with them Jabel Akhdar Banquet Hall and all obligatory equipment available to check. Bib Collection and Thursday 13:00 – 16:00 foyer, Golden Tulip, Nizwa Athletes without all items of required equipment Equipment Check 29th November will not be allowed to start. Runners must also have their identification and proof of insurance. For athletes not able to attend the briefing on Athlete and supporters Jabel Akhdar Banquet Hall, 14:00 the 28th, this repeated session covers the route, Welcome and Briefing Golden Tulip, Nizwa event safety and start and finish arrangements. Shuttles to start area in Pickups Golden Tulip and 16:45 – 18:45 Shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes. Birkat Al Mouz Nizwa Hotel Apartments 17:00 Start Area Open Birkat Al Mouz Food and drink will be available. 07 DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION NOTES Thursday Only for athletes unable to collect from Golden 17:00-18:00 Final Bib Collection and Birkat Al Mouz Start Area 29th November Tulip Hotel. equipment check “Drop Bags” will be transported to Alila 17:30 – 19:00 "Drop Bag" Drop Off Birkat Al Mouz Start Area Life Base. Random checks of race pack obligatory equipment will be made. Athletes without all 18.45 -19:15 Final Bag Check Birkat Al Mouz Start Area items of required equipment, as well as their runner’s bib, will not be allowed to start. Entertainment, final announcements and 19:00 -19.30 Athletes gather in start area Birkat Al Mouz Start Area welcome from local officials. 19:30 Oman by UTMB® START Birkat Al Mouz Start Area Friday 14:00 Finish Area Open Al Hamra Finish Area 30th November 14:30 First athlete expected to Spectators in the finish area will be kept updated Al Hamra Finish Area cross the finish line on runners’ progress.