Record-breaking 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon a big success with international athletes

The record-breaking 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon was hailed a huge success as thousands of runners filled the streets of Al Mouj from the early hours on Friday morning.

A large international contingent of athletes welcomed the near perfect conditions, which saw many runners achieve personal best performances.

The centrepiece Al Mouj Muscat Marathon event was won by Kenya’s Moses Too who completed the 42km course in 02:19:30, ahead of Anouar El Ghouz with another Kenyan, Gideon Kipgurui Kipsang, third. “I have raced other marathons and this one is very, very hard, but I am so grateful to have won it,” said Too after he crossed the finish line at the heart of the Al Mouj residence.

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“I am very happy to have won and it was my first time in Oman – it is a very special place, very beautiful, and the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly.” The women’s marathon title was taken by Muscat resident Brtukan Adeba Berihun. She said: “It was a very nice race and I am very happy to be the winner. Muscat is a beautiful place to run and the people have been lovely, so welcoming.” And for eight-time marathon runner Manal Rostom the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon marked a new personal best performance.

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The high-profile Egyptian runner and mountaineer has been the figurehead of a global Nike-made athletes’ hijab campaign. “I just love how the (Oman) culture is evolving and the way they are introducing kids, expats or locals, everyone, to exercise more - today it was a perfect course with perfect scenery, and ideal for getting a personal best, so I am super-happy,” said the Dubai-based pharmacist and personal trainer.

And she added: “At the moment I think there is an evolution happening in the Middle East with how Arab countries are taking up sports, they are taking it more seriously than ever. To have an international marathon, such as the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon that represents your country is super-awesome, it smashes stereotypes.”

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