700 runners expected for Fun Run to promote Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Muscat

MUSCAT: Over 700 participants are expected to hit the streets of Al Khuwair on 11 December, Thursday, for Oman’s much-anticipated 12th Asian Games Fun Run for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The Fun Run will start from Al Khuwair Flag Pole Square. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be held from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

Organised by the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) through the Oman Committee for Sport and Active Society, the run is part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) ‘Asian Games for All’ initiative, designed to engage communities across the continent.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Eng. Khalfan bin Saleh Al Naabi, OOC board member and Chairman of the Oman Committee for Sport and Active Society, emphasised the significance of the event.

“The Fun Run represents a practical step toward presenting Oman honourably in major continental events. It engages the community in spreading the joy of sports, building future champions, and enhancing Oman’s presence in Asian sports arenas,” he said.

The event, featuring 2 km and 5 km courses, will see participation from schools, universities, clubs, federations, private-sector employees, sports celebrities, and athletes with disabilities.

“Hosting this event in Oman plays a key role in raising sports awareness and promoting the continent’s biggest upcoming event. The Asian Games are not solely for elite athletes, they are a continental celebration of sport as a bridge for communication and friendship among Asian nations,” Al Naabi added.

Highlighting Oman’s growing influence in regional sports, he said: “Organising the Fun Run reflects Oman’s position as an influential sporting nation in Asia. It demonstrates continental trust in our ability to host impactful community-based events and sends a clear message that Oman is an important partner in the Asian Olympic movement, capable of transferring sports values and driving community engagement.”

Fumihito Kanaizuka, Director of PR & Media for the Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, said: “We are delighted to be in Oman to promote the Games. ‘Asian Games for All’ allows everyone to experience the Games, promotes health, culture, and youth development, and fosters respect, friendship, and goodwill across Asia.”

Youth initiatives will include a children’s art competition and a Young Reporters Award programme organised in collaboration with the OOC. Four winning artworks and selected young reporters will be invited to Nagoya 2026, with each winner receiving US$3,000.

Al Naabi said: “We call on everyone to participate in the Fun Run and support our national teams as they raise Oman’s flag high at Games 2026. Success begins with community involvement and confidence in our athletes.”