At 48, Said Al Sarhani, Head of Supply Chain, may hardly fit the stereotype of a marathon runner. But his ardent advocacy of running – among other physical pursuits -- as a fitness goal makes him a star in his own right.

Earlier this year, Said and five other coworkers from various OOC subsidiaries signed up as a team to participate in a 42km relay organized as part of the iconic Muscat Marathon 2018 edition. Hosted by Al Mouj Muscat, this year’s event pulled in a record 6,094 runners of all ages (3,813 males and 2,281 females), including a sizable number of visitors and tourists.

Kitted out in the signature branding and colours of Oman Oil Company, the OOC Relay Team ran the 42km distance in 4 hours 15 minutes and 4 seconds, clinching the 21st position among 57 teams that participated in the category. It was indeed a commendable performance, given that none of the six members of the team were professional sprinters!

For Said, the opportunity to participate in this hugely popular event was exhilarating! “It was a great experience to be part of this prestigious run, considering I was making my debut in the Muscat Marathon series. But even more exciting was the opportunity to don the colours and branding of OOC. My colleagues and I were filled with pride to be representing OOC at this well-attended event,” the executive remarked.

Although he doesn’t consider himself a professional runner, Said is no stranger to marathons. The fitness buff has already participated in four editions of the Dubai Marathon, clocking a personal best of 1 hour 1 minute in the 10km run.

For Said, running is more of a recreational pursuit, he says. “I run for fun – plain and simple! Of course, there are important fitness benefits to be gained as well. On average I run a total distance of about 5km every month, but will practice more intensively closer to a marathon.”

According to the executive, OOC’s participation in this year’s Muscat Marathon was a robust affirmation of the company’s longstanding espousal of healthy lifestyles as a prerequisite for achieving a positive work-life balance in the workplace.

“The management has long championed the importance of physical fitness and regular exercise, having even invested in a fully equipped gym that allows employees to take a break from their desks to work out at periodic intervals. Health lifestyles and work-life balance are now part of the workplace ethos.”

In addition to the obvious health benefits associated with physical pursuits like running, OOC’s participation in the Muscat Marathon had other underlying, but equally important, objectives,” says Said.

“Participating as a team in a relay event requires that we work together collaboratively and in harmony in order to perform well and potentially win as well. By working together, we also strengthen personal relationships and engage in team-building efforts which, in the workplace, will contribute to better communication and enhanced productivity as well. These are the indirect benefits accruing to the company,” he noted.

Going forward, OOC aims to be a regular fixture at future editions of the Muscat Marathon, according to Said. Taking part in this year’s run were representatives from OOC, Duqm Refinery, Takamul, OOCEP and OGC.