As one of the activities required to complete their Fitness Challenge, 10 Scouts supported by 3 Leaders from the 1st Oman Scout Troop participated in either the Muscat Half Marathon (21 km) or the 10 km race on 6 February 2009.

This is an annual, international event organised for athletes of all abilities which covers a circular route over roads close to the beaches north of the capital, Muscat. Both races started at the same time and initially followed the same route, with the 10 km runners turning back for home about half way along course. This year, a total of over 300 runners participated.


1st Oman Scout Group Runners

Having trained for the event during the preceding few weeks at a number of local races, the Scouts and Leaders had prepared well and knew what to expect. Although the races were to start at 7:00 am, temperatures would soon increase to about 28°C with the sun rising. Once on their way, the runners soon spread over a considerable distance. However, with the Scouts wearing their red neckerchiefs, they could easily be picked out from other runners. For most of the route, the runners were very much on their own, but a good crowd welcomed them down the home straight to the finish and ensured they crossed the line with renewed vigour.



Overall, 9 Scouts completed the 10 km race, with Dan Watt (14) racing to finish in 48 mins 32 secs and, not far behind, Kate (11) finishing as the 10th placed woman. Special mention must also go to Liam (13) who was the only Scout to attempt the half-marathon and completed the course in an excellent time of 1 hr 44 mins 38 secs. Having seen the majority of the runners finish the 10 km and half-marathon races, a large crowd of athletes gathered at the same start point for a 3 km fun run, including 11 less ambitious and younger Scouts, plus a number that had already completed the 10 km race. Although over a much shorter distance, their participation and achievement in completing the course must also be recognised. Perhaps more importantly than the participation, the Scouts also managed to collect the equivalent of over £2000 in sponsorship for their chosen charity, the Association for Handicapped Children in Azaiba.