Sunday 24 / August / 2025
Muscat: Omani ultra-runner and endurance icon Hamed Al Harthi is preparing to embark on one of the toughest races on Earth: the Silk Route Ultra, a 122-kilometre high-altitude ultra-marathon held in the formidable Himalayan region of Ladakh, India. Officially recognized as the world’s highest ultra-marathon, the race reaches staggering elevations of up to 5,400 meters above sea level, confronting runners with freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and unforgiving terrain.
Al Harthi is set to depart Oman on August 28, allowing nearly two weeks of advance acclimatization ahead of the race’s September 11 start. The early arrival is a deliberate part of his physical and mental strategy, providing vital time for his body to adjust to the extreme altitude. At this elevation, even the most seasoned athletes are tested not only in stamina, but in resilience to oxygen deprivation, altitude sickness, and sub-zero nighttime conditions.
This marks a powerful return to the Himalayas for Al Harthi, who completed the 72 km Khardung La Challenge in the same region in 2023 — a race known as the highest marathon in the world. This year’s race, however, significantly raises the stakes in both distance and difficulty, transforming the challenge into a multidimensional test of strategy, self-reliance, and psychological endurance.
“The Silk Route Ultra is more than a race,” Al Harthi shared. “It’s a journey through extremes — of terrain, weather, and the human spirit. I bring with me the memory of every trail I’ve run across the world, but this race demands something else entirely. I approach it with humility, discipline, and deep respect for the mountain. I run not only for the finish line, but to inspire others in Oman and across the region to dream bigger, train harder, and discover new parts of themselves.”
His return to the Himalayas comes on the heels of another impressive feat: completing a punishing 100 km ultra marathon in the Chongli district of China, one of the key venues for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The course challenged athletes with steep elevation gains, narrow passes, and unshaded stretches under the sun — a grueling environment that required strategic pacing and hydration planning.
Hamed Al Harthi’s career is defined not only by achievements, but by pioneering spirit. In 2023, he became one of the very few Arab athletes to complete the UTMB Mont-Blanc, the prestigious 100-mile trail race held in Chamonix, France — the crown jewel of global trail running. He also completed a solo 560 km run across Oman, traversing the diverse landscapes of his home country from border to coast, and has scaled and descended Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, in an astonishing time of 15 hours and 20 minutes.
Yet beyond the medals and milestones, Al Harthi is driven by a deeper calling — one that ties adventure to meaning. “Trail running is where I find my balance. It is a sport that combines movement with introspection, physical challenge with cultural discovery. Every mountain teaches me something. Every race gives me new perspectives. And with each step, I feel more connected to nature, to myself, and to the people who follow this journey.”
His path has inspired a growing community of ultra-endurance athletes in Oman and across the GCC, many of whom now look to the mountains as more than a test of fitness — but a space for transformation.
Al Harthi continues to play a key role in shaping the future of trail running in Oman as a board member of the Himam Trail Run, the country’s premier mountain running event. The next edition of Himam is set to take place in December, drawing athletes from around the world to explore Oman’s rich geography and its vibrant local trail running community.
The timing of Al Harthi’s international endeavor coincides with a global surge in the popularity of trail running. As athletes worldwide seek out authentic, rugged experiences away from urban circuits, Oman’s unique natural offerings stand out. The Hajar Mountains, with their vast ridgelines, ancient villages, and dramatic canyons, provide a bespoke environment for world-class trail running. With growing international attention, the Sultanate is quickly emerging as one of the region’s most promising destinations for outdoor endurance sport.
Fans, followers, and aspiring athletes are invited to accompany Hamed Al Harthi’s journey through his official Instagram account (@hamedalharthy1), where he will share updates, reflections, and visuals from the heart of the Himalayas.
