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Moroccan Dominance in 165km
ELMORABITY Mohammed’s overall victory represents the culmination of five days of strategic racing and exceptional desert expertise. Despite brother Rachid claiming individual stage victories, Mohammed’s consistency across all five stages secured the overall title with a margin of over 33 minutes.
The brothers’ tactical racing throughout the event demonstrated world-class athleticism, with both athletes finishing in the top two positions overall after navigating 165 kilometers of challenging desert terrain while carrying mandatory equipment.
SALEH Alsaidi delivered an outstanding performance for Oman, securing third place overall and demonstrating strong form on home terrain throughout the five-stage event.
Women’s 165km: Moroccan Excellence
AZIZA Elamrany claimed the women’s 165km overall championship with dominant performances across all five stages. Fellow Moroccan AZIZA Raji finished in second position, approximately 47 minutes behind, while Dr. NATALIE Taylor of Great Britain completed the podium in third place.
Dr. Taylor, a British Army medical officer, combined competitive excellence with her appreciation for the desert ecosystem throughout the event, maintaining a podium position from start to finish.
Omani Success in 100km Division
The 100km division witnessed exceptional Omani performances, with SULEIMAN al khatri and YUSUF alnaabi finishing in first and second positions respectively, separated by just 15 seconds after five days of racing. Their photo finish demonstrates the intensity of competition maintained throughout the event.
Great Britain’s PAUL Groom secured third position in the men’s 100km division, while China’s WANG He claimed the women’s title.
The five-stage route began in the towering dunes of the Bidiyah desert interior, traversing varied terrain including vegetated dune systems, compact sand roads, and technical undulating sections. The final stage brought athletes to the Arabian Sea coastline, where the symbolic finish line marked the transition from desert to ocean.
Environmental conditions throughout the event ranged from cool morning temperatures of 16°C to significantly elevated midday heat, testing athletes’ adaptation and endurance capabilities across all five competitive days.
Twenty-eight athletes successfully completed the 165km division, while seven finishers conquered the 100km challenge. Each finisher navigated extreme conditions while carrying mandatory safety equipment, demonstrating extraordinary determination and preparation.
Special recognition to Team Medic to Medic members ROBERT Clack and CLAIRE Fielding of Great Britain, who completed their humanitarian-focused journey, utilizing the extreme challenge to raise awareness for medical assistance programs.
ALMATASEM ALFAHDI of Oman withdrew from the competition, with medical staff ensuring appropriate athlete welfare protocols were followed.
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