Fancy panoramic views of rugged mountain ranges? Then follow the tracks through the stunning Hajar mountains of Oman. Organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Wadi Bih Run ventures to the vast Wadis and mountains of the Northern Emirates.
‘Wadi’ traditionally means ‘valley’ in Arabic while, according to organisers, “Bih is Arabic for revelation which describes the opening up of the wadi from a very relatively narrow section to the wider areas in the interior.”
Runners can go on that revelational journey by pushing themselves in 30, 50 or 72 km routes, or round up pals in a relay team of 5 runners (1 female is mandatory) for the latter two distances. The Team 50 event is designed to cater to families. To be eligible for prizes, each team has to include at least two females.
There are prizes for the best dressed and best named teams too. Last year’s best dressed came as buzzing bumble bees while the other team were expecting to get a buzz on as suggested by their winning name: “We thought you said rum”.
Solo and Team 50 runners will compete on Friday, 5 February 2016 while Team 72 participants will compete the next day on Saturday, 6 February 2016.
Now into its 24th year, the run has grown in popularity and exceeded organisers’ expectations. 2015’s edition saw more than 150 Solo finishers, 40 finishing teams in Team 50, and 214 teams in the main Team 72 event.
All racers will head off from the Golden Tulip Resort in Dibba, Oman on asphalt road before they head towards scenic mountainous surroundings on gravel track. 72 km participants can expect an altitude of 1,000 metres before returning to the start point.
In this self-sufficient race, runners will need to bring clothing, first air, head torch, and any special food and energy drinks they require. A bag drop-off is available at the third checkpoint and there will be water, energy drinks and food provided at certain checkpoints.
Sign Ups Still Open
Registration will close on 15 January or when the maximum number of solo and team runners has been reached.
Teams can sign up for AED 1,250, which includes meal tickets and Saloman event T-shirts for 5 people. Solo runners will also get a meal ticket and Saloman event T-shirt each by signing up for AED 300. Extra tickets for a buffet meal served at the Golden Tulip Resort can be purchased for AED 80 for adults and AED 40 for children aged 6 to 12 years.
Travel & Lodging
Do not that all participants, family members and friends have to be registered online at Premier Online and upload their passport or visa details in order to be able to cross the border from UAE to Dibba, Oman.
As per previous years, teams are encouraged to camp the night before the run on the beach at Dibba. Whilst you’d have to make your own camping arrangements, you’ll be able to use the toilets and showers at the Golden Tulip Resort. Alternatively, you could stay at said luxury hotel or the Absolute Adventure Camp at preferential rates for participants.
To find out more and sign up online, visit the official Wadi Bih Run website.
Given the short time frame for training pre-race, we recommend only experienced distance runners to register. Of course, you can also look forward to the race’s silver jubilee edition next year! We know we are!
