Oman to host its first ever FISU event in welcoming the 2024 FISU World University Championships Cross Country

For the first time ever, the Sultanate of Oman will host a FISU event as its capital Muscat welcomes the 23^rd FISU World University Championships Cross Country. The two day competition, 17 and 18 February, features six races – short and long mixed relays, 3km for women and men, 10km for women and men.

In this city of just under 1.7 million residents, on the Gulf of Oman, warm conditions will greet the athletes with sun and temperatures around 25C expected during races both Saturday and Sunday. Over 200 athletes from 23 nations are anticipated to compete on the course that is set on the south end of the campus of the Military Technological College.

Event get underway first with the short mixed relay Saturday morning at 9:30am local time. The second day features two sets of individual races for both women and men, 3km and 10km distances, with the 3km version a new addition to the FISU Championships Cross Country, adding another layer of drama and excitement to the competition. The full schedule of events includes:

Saturday, February 17^th (GMT+4)

• 10:00am – Short mixed relay
• 11:00am – Long mixed relay

Sunday, February 18^th

• 10:00am – Women’s 3km
• 10:30am – Men’s 3km
• 11:00am – Women’s 10km
• 12:00pm – Men’s 10km

In commenting about the upcoming events, FISU President Leonz Eder said, “Over the following two days, you will compete alongside some of the best  student-athletes in the world. The FISU World University Championships demand  skill, athleticism, and single minded determination to do your best. But beyond  the competition, FISU urges you to take full advantage of this moment. May you return home with memories that will last a lifetime and perhaps even some new friends from faraway places.”

Dr. Salim Al-Araimi, President of Oman Committee for University Sport added, “Cross country running is a true test of endurance and determination, and it is a pleasure to see so many talented young athletes gathered to showcase their skill and compete for title of 23rd [FISU] World University Champion Cross-Country Muscat 2024.”

All the action from both days in Muscat can be followed through the livestream on FISU.tv with updated results available here throughout the event.

Written by Doug McLean