23 Nov Oman Desert Marathon 2019 – After Race
The proud finishers of Oman Desert Marathon took Friday off to recover, participants were divided into two excursions. One group visited Wadi Bani Khalid and another Bediya surroundings.
Wadi Bani Khalid is one of our favorite places in Oman. Runners had a relaxing afternoon at this stunning desert oasis swimming in the emerald pools surrounded by date palms. Wadi Bani Khalid has been developed with a few bridges, seating areas, and a restaurant, but it doesn’t detract from its beauty. This winter the weather was perfect, especially after the uncommon rain the night before—temperature was about 25ºC. The pools are full of fish that will get rid of the dead skin if you let them.
The other excursion, were runners who wanted to learn more about Bedouin lifestyle, with its traditional culture and authentic original customs, so they went to see the surroundings of Bediya, visited a small camel and goat farm, and continued to visit local Museum. Once learning about Oman life in the early years, we headed to a Traditional Bedouin Areesh, which is a house made of palm leaves, in the dunes of the desert. We met a family and their children, they greeted us and allowed us to see how life in the desert is, kindly offered us Omani coffee and dates. Oman is among the leading countries that support craft industries. The government has attached great importance to this industry because it reflects a social culture and one of the most important legacies inspired by the Omani environment. Runners had the opportunity to obtain some traditional goods such as incense, textiles and kohl, which is an ancient eyeliner to darken the eyelids, usually worn mostly by women, but also by some men and children.
On return to our camp, our drivers proved what is said about Omanis, always generous and take pride in their Arab characteristic of providing excellent hospitality. They took extra time and effort to delight everybody with a wild session of dune bashing!!!
The morning ended with lunch at camp and plenty of time to rest and prepare for the gala night!
