The IRONMAN and IRONKIDS fever that Caught Bahrain Shivering in Excitement!
IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain was more than just a sporting event. It was a weekend that kept the Bahrain chewing their nails in excitement! The event was adorned by interesting family-friendly side events, as well as a number of opportunities to see all participants in the entertaining opening and closing ceremonies.
The spotlight event began off the waters of the iconic “H” shaped building of the Four Seasons Hotel. This spectacularly designed swim, bike, and run course saw how both locals and guests got ever so close to Middle Eastern history and heritage. The flat and fast point-to-point bike route itself took participants past iconic buildings and attractions such as Bahrain Bay and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. The bike route then headed south of the island towards the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the annual Bahrain Gran Prix Formula One race for T2.
Needless to mention that the excitement did not end here. The Al Areen Wildlife Park is a reservation habitat for interesting Middle Eastern birds and animals. Participants thoroughly enjoyed their run in and around the reservation before heading back after an enjoyable journey.
IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain has been the first IRONMAN event in the region, now into its second year.
IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain offered 40 qualifying slots for the 2017 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship and 10 qualifying slots for Bahrainis as part of the IRONMAN and Nasser Bin Hamad Foundation Bahraini Development program.
New Zealand’s Terenzo Bozzone and Australia’s Sarah Crowley celebrated a great victory at the IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain.
IRONKIDS 2016
Two days before IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain was dedicated to kids! Registration was limited to the first 350 registrants. The IRONKIDS
run was on December 8th at 6pm at the Bahrain International Circuit. The distances were as follows:
- Ages 12-14: 2.5Km
- Ages 10-12: 1.5Km
- Ages 8-10: 1Km
- Ages 6-8: 500 meters
- Ages 4-6:Â 250 meters
- Under 4: 100 meters
It is interesting to note that the IRONKIDS and IronGirl which are to be held under the patronage of Shaikh Nasser’s children are witnessing a large turnout.
Featuring a 5km-race, the IronGirl contest that commenced on December 9, saw two-time world champion Daniele Ryf cheering the participants from the stands. IRONKIDS had various distances, and is open for children who fall in the 4-14 age group.
Commenting on the hosting of these events, Shaikh Nasser, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, said these events are in support of children and women participating in this prestigious championship which aims to nurture a promising athletic generation who adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Championship President Ahmed Al Hajj announced that more than 1,100 athletes of both genders living in Bahrain and outside the kingdom had registered for the IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship.
The closing ceremony for these events that were hosted under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister took place in the presence of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth & Sport and President of Bahrain Athletics Association. On this occasion, HRH Prince Salman affirmed the constant support of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, to sports and youth sectors, stressing HM the King’s follow up to the achievements recorded by Bahrainis in both areas. Moreover, HRH the Crown Prince hailed the success established by the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship, highlighting the exceptional organisation and preparations to the event. HRH the Crown Prince congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the successful organisation of the event, pointing out that the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship has become one of the sporting events that contributes in maintaining the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its abilities to host and manage different international events in the sports and youth sectors.