Breaking Barriers in the Desert
How Oman is Leading Female Inclusion in Ultra-Running
A Journey of Adventure, Culture, and Empowerment in the World’s Safest Desert Racing Destination
As a trail runner and a woman who lives for adventure, I never expected that moving to Oman would completely transform not just my running journey, but my entire life’s purpose. Nine years ago, I arrived in this remarkable country following my husband’s career, but what I discovered was so much more than a new home, I found a land that would awaken my deepest passions and redefine what adventure could look like for women.
Oman isn’t just another destination on the adventure travel map; it’s a revelation. This sultanate, consistently ranked as one of the world’s safest countries for solo female travelers, offers something extraordinary: the freedom to push your limits without compromising your security. The Omani culture’s deep respect for women, combined with the natural warmth and hospitality of its people, creates an environment where female adventurers can focus entirely on their goals, not their safety concerns.
From Participant to Advocate: My Desert Awakening
In 2018, I stood at the start line of the Oman Desert Marathon, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Like so many women before me, I wondered: Do I belong here? Will this be the experience I’m hoping for? That 165-kilometer journey through Oman’s diverse desert landscapes – from towering sand dunes to vast plains, including a magical night stage under a canopy of stars – didn’t just test my physical limits. It awakened something profound within me.
The desert taught me who I truly was. The self-sufficiency required, carrying your own equipment and sleeping bag while water is provided every 10 kilometers – built a confidence I never knew I possessed. But more than that, I witnessed firsthand both the incredible potential of desert ultra-running and the subtle barriers that kept many women from experiencing this transformative adventure.
By 2019, I had transitioned from participant to staff member, and eventually to project manager. What drives me isn’t just organizing a race; it’s seeing also more female participants, helping them to feel confortable and removing every possible obstacle that might prevent a woman from discovering her own strength or doubting she belongs one of the world’s most spectacular natural settings.
The Cultural Tapestry That Makes Oman Special
Living and working in Oman has given me a deep appreciation for what makes this country so special for everyone, especially female adventurers. Oman is a peaceful and tolerant country with very low crime rates and its culture built on respect and hospitality. Omanis are polite, educated, and well-mannered people. I have lived in America, South America, Europe, and briefly in Africa, and I have never experienced such a welcoming and warm culture anywhere else.
Whether you’re navigating the souks of Muscat, exploring ancient forts, or preparing for a desert challenge, the Omani people’s natural politeness and helpfulness create an atmosphere where solo female travelers can embrace their adventurous spirit with complete peace of mind.
The adventure possibilities in Oman extend far beyond our desert marathon. From world-class diving in the Arabian Sea to mountain trekking in the Hajar range, from exploring dramatic wadis (valleys) to experiencing traditional Omani hospitality in remote villages, this country offers endless opportunities for women seeking authentic, safe adventure experiences.
Championing Female Inclusion: The SheRACES Achievement
As a trail runner and a woman who lives for adventure, I’m deeply inspired watching more of us conquer Oman’s magnificent desert. That’s why I’m absolutely bursting with pride that this year the Oman Desert Marathon is now a SheRACES accredited event, the only race in the Middle East to achieve this recognition!
This accreditation isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s official recognition that we meet the highest standards for female inclusion in ultra-running. The statistics tell a sobering story: despite women consistently excelling in trail and ultra races, female participation remains at only 16% of race participants. SheRACES exists to level the playing field by helping event organizers create more inclusive experiences and ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for female athletes.
As women, we face unique barriers and concerns that men don’t even think about. Making it easier for other women to discover both the raw beauty of the desert and their own incredible strength? That’s what gets me up every morning with purpose and passion!
Creating Real Change: Beyond the Finish Line
What fills my heart most? Seeing our amazing female staff thriving out there in the elements, watching more women courageously join our races, witnessing them return the following year to challenge themselves with even longer distances, and hearing a nervous first-timer tell me she felt completely supported and empowered throughout her entire 165-kilometer journey.
Our commitment goes beyond just saying we welcome women, we’ve implemented concrete changes that address the practical concerns female athletes face:
- Period products freely available at all facilities – no need to ask, no need to worry
- Nursing mother support – we can carry breast pumps during the race so you don’t have to bear the extra weight
- Private facilities throughout the desert – separate toilet facilities, dedicated female changing areas, and female-only shower facilities with complete privacy
- Flexible accommodation options – spacious tents with good ventilation and the option for female-only tents for those who prefer them
- 24/7 female support staff – our female project manager and dedicated team of female volunteers understand the unique considerations female athletes face
The Omani Women Leading the Way
One of my greatest sources of pride is watching more Omani women embrace ultra-running and join our event. Their participation shows the inclusive, empowering environment we’ve created and inspires us to encourage even more local women to participate. These women represent the very best of what’s possible when barriers are removed and opportunities are created. Every year we see them taking on bigger challenges, from 5km to the full marathon, following their personal athletic goals or just being part of the event as volunteers or staff.
When I see more local and international women participating, I know we’re building something special. My goal is to have more balanced participation between men and women. Trail running events typically have more men than women, and I hope to see a stronger female presence.
For international participants, women are completely supported. From the moment they land at Muscat International Airport, I’m there personally, welcoming all runners and guiding them to the shuttle bus. Our private, comfortable buses provide direct transportation to the race venue and back to the airport. No worrying about navigation, language barriers, or finding reliable transport, just sit back, relax, and connect with fellow runners on your journey.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Those moments, when I witness transformation happening in real-time, that’s when I know we’re doing something truly meaningful. We’re creating pathways for everyone, not just finishing lines. The desert’s wild, transformative magic awaits all who dare to seek it and embrace the challenge!
With the unwavering support of Race Director Said Al Hajri, we’ve proven that meaningful change is possible when organizations commit to inclusive practices. Our SheRACES accreditation reinforces our commitment to fostering an environment where all participants feel welcome and supported throughout their desert journey.
This isn’t just about one race or one country, it’s about changing the landscape of adventure sports globally. Every woman who conquers her fears to stand at our start line, every female volunteer who joins our team, every Omani woman who challenges herself with a longer distance, they’re all part of a movement that’s redefining what’s possible.
Because a woman’s rightful place is confidently on that start line! 🏃♀️
The desert taught me who I am, but helping other women discover their own strength? That’s become my life’s greatest adventure. In Oman, where safety meets challenge and tradition embraces progress, we’re proving that when barriers come down, magic happens.
Ready to discover your own desert magic?