MUSCAT, OMAN, MARCH 2023: From 16 – 18 March, the 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM will go ahead as the first-ever full-distance XTERRA off-road triathlon in the Middle East, as part of the global XTERRA Series, which is considered the World’s #1 off-road triathlon series.
Speaking during the lead-up to the event, Engineer Nassir Humaid Al Hosni, Director-General of Musandam Municipality and Spokesman of the Governorate of Musandam, stated: “The Governorate of Musandam’s decision to host this milestone sporting event for Oman reflects our alignment with the national priorities outlined in the Sultanate’s illustrious Vision 2040. Sports tourism in the Sultanate of Oman is a sector that is increasingly set to drive economic diversification and other complementary fields, and our hosting of this event illustrates how partnerships between the government, civil society, and the private sector can effectively contribute to our country’s economy and global competitiveness, and to various fields of social development, including for the youth of Oman.”
Al Hosni also explained Musandam Municipality’s delight in being able to support and host this globally-renowned XTERRA off-road triathlon event in 2023, stating: “Musandam Municipality has the modern infrastructure, human capital, and magnificent natural and cultural resources which can be leveraged to deliver exceptional sporting and adventure experiences. Very importantly, events like this provide an excellent boost to the local economy, and greater uptake for services provided by local SMEs”
WORLD’S #1 OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON SERIES IN MUSANDAM
For athletes taking part in the flagship full-distance event on 18 March, the 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM promises a spectacular 1.5km open-ocean swim, 30km mountain-bike, and 10km trail-run, which take in much of Musandam’s rugged desert and mountain terrain that overlooks the area’s famous fjord-like Khors – where gigantic sea-cliffs drop down directly into the blue Sea of Oman waters.
Following a press conference for the event hosted by the 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM event organizers Triathlon Middle East (TRIME.OM), Mr. Mohammed bin Khalfan Al Obaidani – CEO & Founder, TRI.ME, explained: “Oman’s Musandam Peninsula forms the ultimate venue to host an event of this prominence and stature, which is globally recognized as the premium triathlon format off-road series. I am confident that following their first taste of the beauty of Musandam, they will vow to return in the future for more open ocean swimming, mountain-biking and trail-running adventures. In fact, our route developers have built a brand-new trail-run and mountain-bike route as part of the 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM, which will remain in place for all endurance sport athletes and adventure fans, for whenever they return!”
The first day of the event will host the XTERRA Kids Fun Run for boys and girls aged 4 years and over. Following this, on the second day, the 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM 21 km Trail Half Marathon and 10 km Trail Run will go ahead.
In addition, the official XTERRA Race Village with its associated family activities and entertainment opens on the 16 March, and will welcome athletes, supporters, and the local Musandam community for the duration of the three-day event.
The 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM will offer a combined $23,000 prize purse – which includes a $16,000 Pro Prize Purse for the main event, and $7,000 Prize Purse for the Trail Run. Furthermore, the event will provide a total of 28 slots for the 2023 XTERRA World Championship scheduled for 23 September in Molveno, Trentino, Italy.
MUSANDAM: ADVENTURE TOURISM HOTSPOT
Oman’s Musandam Peninsula is an enclave of Oman located on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula (separated from the rest of the country by the UAE), and is highly regarded in the Middle East as an adventure tourism hotspot and off-road endurance athlete’s paradise.
For the XTERRA MUSANDAM 21km Trail Half Marathon, TRIME.OM’s route developers have constructed a brand-new trail which takes runners through much of Musandam’s spectacular desert and mountain terrain. TRIME.OM have also developed a world-class single lap, 13km mountain-bike trail that tracks its way through sections of Musandam that mountain-bikers of all experience levels will love. Both these new trails will remain in place for future off-road endurance events in Musandam.
Official Event Sponsors for the 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM include the Governorate of Musandam; the global energy company Oxy; Musandam Municipality; the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism; the Ministry of Culture Sports and Youth; as well as the Public Authority for SME Development, Triathlon Middle East, and Sponsor. The European Tour Partners for the event include Zoggs, Vittoria, and Elle-Erre. The 2023 XTERRA MUSANDAM can be followed via https://www.xterraplanet.com/event/xterra-musandam
