Hit the New Year running with the 2017 Muscat Marathon on January 27.
The sixth annual Al Mouj Marathon in Oman has three racing categories: the full marathon at 42.2 kilometres, which starts at 6am (Dh300); the half marathon at 21.09km at 7am (Dh250); and the 10km run at 8am (Dh200).
The marathon is jointly organised by the Muscat Road Runners and Oman Sail. Participants can sign up for pre-run workout tours with physiology trainer and soccer professional Chad Zlateff. The next two sessions are on January 6 and January 13. Alternatively, you can download a marathon training guide put together by Horizon Fitness here.
Starting at Oman’s lifestyle destination Al Mouj, the marathon will head north along the coastline, offering runners a flat, scenic route all the way to the coastal fishing city of Al Seeb.
“Our country’s natural environment gives us a competitive advantage as more and more people use long-distance running and sport in general as a platform for travel,” said Salma Al Hashmi, Oman Sail’s chief marketing officer.
More than 900 runners have already registered, including Iceland’s Asta Parker, winner of the women’s marathon for several years who also completed the 165-kilometre 2016 Oman Desert Marathon in Wahiba. The women’s contingent in 2017 also includes Jane Hodgson, who came second in the 2016 Super Veterans Marathon; and Helen Graham who came in third.
High-profile racers in the men’s category include Omani runner Sami Alsaidi, 23, who was the overall winner and the winner of the men’s event in 2016; Robert Ambrose, who finished second in the 2016 Super Veterans Marathon; and Nick Conlan, second placed in the half marathon.
Every competitor will receive a finisher’s medal and for each category there will be prize money for the first, second and third places. Participants will also receive a bib and technical shirt during registration on January 26, between 4.30pm and 8,30pm.
For more information, visit http://muscatmarathon.om
To register, visit https://www.premieronline.com/event/Muscat_Marathon_2017_2024
pmunyal@thenational.ae
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
Messi at the Copa America
2007 – lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final
2011 – lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals
2015 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
2016 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final
