Dhow-Swim-Run

The Muscat road runners organized a Dhow (classic arabian wood boat) to take a bunch of us out for a splash n' dash, followed by a dinner cruise.
We met at Bandar Marina at 2 pm and boarded the boat. It had a very authentic feel with cushions to sit on around the edges and exposed wood. The plan was to leave the marina at 2 but due to engine troubles we finally got going closer to 3. There were 15 participants (1 being Omani, which was nice to see) and we set off on a relaxing trip to Bandar Khiran and were briefed on the route and rules. After the Dhow had stopped in a small bay about 200m from shore, the race organizer got into a kayak and paddled into shore and took off running to mark the trail ahead of us with flour (trail marking with flour is known as 'Hashing' and the person who sets the trail is the 'Hare').


Once our hare was off on the trail it was time to start the race. We took a ~3m plunge off the dhow and began the swim to shore. Some people wore runners while others opted for more of a water shoe during the swim. Once reaching the beach, we picked up the flour trail for a 3-4 km run including some climbs into and out of wadi's. As we ran, the dhow moved from the drop off point to the finish which was in a different bay. At the end of the trail there was a small cliff ~ 5 m from which we had to jump back into the water and finish the final 200m swim back to the dhow.
Back on board we enjoyed a few cold drinks, some chicken curry and a gentle cruise back to the marina with the moon leading the way.

Aboard the Dhow

Arriving at Bandar Khiran, just over 1h on the boat

Janelle, Pete and I after finishing the race