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The pivotal third stage of the Oman Desert Marathon began in the pre-dawn stillness, with camp generators humming to life at 4:00 AM under a crisp 14°C desert morning. While early birds stirred to prepare their breakfast in the relative warmth of their closed tents (22°C), they faced the day's most demanding challenge yet: 40 kilometers of relentless rolling dunes nicknamed "The Roller Coaster."
The stage produced thrilling competition, with Morocco's Mohammed El Morabity securing victory in 4:14:39, barely eleven seconds ahead of local hero Saleh Al Saidi (4:14:50) in one of the closest finishes of the race. Rachid El Morabity claimed third place in 4:25:33, marking a slight shift in the men's overall standings. In the women's category, Morocco's Aziza Raji continued her dominant performance, finishing in 5:52:44, followed by Lydia Oldham (6:30:49) and Sally Ford (7:18:53).
"These untouched golden dunes aren't just obstacles; they're the true test of an ultra-runner's spirit," remarked Race Director Said Al Hajri. The route's demanding profile forced many competitors to alternate between running and crawling up the steepest dunes, creating a spectacular display of human endurance against nature's grandest obstacles.
British runner Patrick Wiltshire, who tackled the course alongside Ireland's Shane McShera and Great Britain's Mohammed Ashraf Abdin, shared their experience: "Running along the dune tops was actually quite fun, despite sometimes having to crawl. The spectacular views made every challenging moment worthwhile.
Before the start, Medical Director Dr. Muhannad Al Subhi emphasized the importance of self-awareness: "We reminded all participants that their health takes precedence over competition. The desert demands respect, and we're here to ensure everyone finishes safely."
The race now reaches a crucial turning point as runners prepare for tomorrow's unique night stage - a 30-kilometer journey under the desert stars. Competitors will begin at staggered times based on their previous performances, maximizing daylight navigation before experiencing the serene solitude of the nighttime desert.
For complete stage results and live tracking, visit: https://my.raceresult.com/323810
Text Credits: Marathon Oman
Photo Credits: Marathon Oman
Video Credits: Marathon Oman
Κατάγεται από το Ξυλόκαστρο Κορινθίας και ζει μόνιμα στην Πάτρα. Συμμετείχε στην συντακτική ομάδα του Adventure Zone από το 2009, ενώ μαζί με τον Τάκη Τσογκαράκη ίδρυσαν και "τρέχουν" το Advendure. Το τρέξιμο στα μονοπάτια των βουνών και η μεταφορά εικόνων και συναισθημάτων μέσα από τα άρθρα του αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της ζωής του. Παθιάζεται με τους αγώνες ορεινού τρεξίματος, υπεραντοχής και περιπέτειας. Έχει πολλές συμμετοχές και διακρίσεις σε αγώνες ορεινού τρεξίματος όλων των αποστάσεων, με έμφαση στους αγώνες ultra trail. Θεωρεί ότι το τρέξιμο και η πεζοπορία στη φύση είναι μια εσωτερική ανάγκη του ανθρώπου, μας φέρνει πιο κοντά σε αυτήν και μας κάνει να αγαπήσουμε περισσότερο το περιβάλλον.
Συνέντευξη στην ET1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iyn3QmFlyE
Podcast "Γιατί Τρέχουμε" - s2 #09"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LTrKZ8PyWc
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