New season of Batelco Fitness On Track launches next week

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) kicks off its first full season of the widely participated Batelco Fitness on Track next week, with runners and cyclists of all ages invited to take part.

Fitness on Track is an opportunity for those looking to maintain or improve their physical fitness making use of the unique setting of a Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.

Next week’s events are scheduled as follows:

•         Tuesday 19 October, 6pm to 10pm: (Outer track for cyclists, inner track: runners)

•         Friday 22 October, 6am to 10am (Outer track for cyclists, inner track: runners)

The sessions are open to runners and cyclists of all abilities to train or simply casually exercise within a safe and controlled environment at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”.

Fitness on Track was trialed last season by BIC it generated a tremendous response from the local community, with scores of citizens and residents of all ages—many of whom included entire families—taking part.

Commenting on the launch, Sherif Al Mahdy, Commercial Director of the Bahrain International Circuit, said:

“Batelco Fitness on Track has proven to be one of our most popular new events and we are delighted to announce a full season of sessions, following our previous sell-out events. I thank Batelco for their continued support for this great initiative, designed to encourage people in Bahrain to exercise in a safe and controlled environment. Given the popularity of past events, I would encourage those interested to pre-register on our website.”

Batelco Corporate Communications & Sustainability General Manager, Shaikh Bader bin Rashid Al Khalifa said: 

“Sustainability is a trending topic these days and Batelco’s focus on the environment is gaining momentum. We are very keen to nurture behaviours that are environmentally friendly while also supporting the community, and a great way to do that is by joining hands with the BIC to launch the new Fitness On Track season at the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.”

“The initiative will serve to encourage more people to take up cycling and adapt it into their everyday life.  Studies have shown that should enough people switch to cycling instead of driving short distances, air quality could be improved as pedal power generates zero carbon emissions. This falls under Batelco’s initiatives that support sustainability and the community,” Shaikh Bader added.

The running and cycling takes place on separate track layouts, with runners and walkers utilising the 2.550-kilometre Inner Track. Cyclists will be able to ride their bikes along BIC’s 3.543-kilometre Outer circuit, with a dedicated area for children’s cycling.

Facilities provided on site include food and beverage trucks available, water stations, and a prayer area.

All those wishing to take part must pre-register and pay in advance on BIC’s official website bahraingp.com. The cost to take part is BD2 for cyclists and BD1 for runners. Those under the age of 12 can participate for free if accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information on BIC’s Fitness on Track programme, visit bahraingp.com or call the circuit hotline on +973-17-450000.