Oman Adventure in the Jabal Akhdar

Rob Howard / 15.06.2006

The second Oman Adventure race, for which reconnaissance has just been completed, will take place in a totally different setting to the first year's race. From 17 to 22 December, contestants will take on the largest mountain range in the Sultanate of Oman, the Jabal Akhdar, whose highest peak stands at 3,000 metres.

The competition will take place between the sea and the mountains amidst breathtaking scenery leading contestants through valleys to peaks and from mountain passes to canyons, with some “creative, unexpected variations” on the bike and run theme.

These variations will only be revealed at the last minute but the organisers promise the ‘aquarando’ (water hiking) course will not be technically difficult but very impressive.

The mountain bike course will be highly varied and challenging with a few short sections requiring bikes to be carried and orienteering will be kept as simple as possible with teams only needing to know how to use basic GPS functions.

In 2005, after a top-level contest, Karine Baillet and Christophe Bignot won ahead of an Australian triathlete duo and an English/Omani team. For the second year of the race, there is continued interest from triathletes along with adventure racing specialists and cross-country enthusiasts. However, many newcomers are entering, to experience the Omani landscape and try for the 6,000 euro prize money.

For those who want to take part the GFC competition registration fee is 600 euros per team and Sindbad–Voyages is offering a Paris-Paris package for 1650 euros, including flights, equipment, meals, 4x4 assistance, hotel and bivouacs.

More information is on the race web site here.