Bahrain Royal Night Half-Marathon set

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is all set to host next month the biggest international half-marathon in the region. The second edition of the Bahrain Royal Night Half-Marathon will be taking place December 12 along a 21.1-kilometre course in Zallaq, with some of the world’s most prominent names in long-distance running taking part alongside a large number of enthusiasts of all ages and nationalities.

The prestigious event is a World Athletics Label Road Race that is part of the 2021 international calendar of the sport’s governing body. It is being organised by the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) and it is sanctioned by World Athletics, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, and the BAA, with the support of the Asian Athletics Association and the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

The half-marathon includes men’s and women’s categories. A staggering first prize of U.S.$30,000 each will be won by the winners of those races. Each runner-up will get US$20,000, while the third-placers will take home U.S.$15,000 apiece. Prize money will also be claimed by those placed fourth through 10th.

Aside from the men’s and women’s half-marathons, there will also be a five-kilometre run for fun. Registration is now open. The run for fun offers an amazing opportunity for participants to run alongside World and Olympic Champions as one community, to spread the message of pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

It gives amateurs the opportunity to improve their times and elite runners the chance to compete in a stunning, beautiful environment.

The start and finish will both be at the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Village. Those participating will not need to worry about traffic, as, in accordance with World Athletics rules, the roads will be totally closed to facilitate the event. There will be three drinks and sponging stations along the course.

The half-marathon is scheduled for an 8pm start, while the fun run will begin at 5.45 pm. This year’s event is being sponsored by Tamkeen, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Ahli United Bank, Bapco, Al Salam Bank, Aluminium Bahrain and Mohammed Jalal and Sons.

The first edition of the night half-marathon took place in 2019, when Abadi Hadis of Ethiopia won the men’s event and Brigid Kosgei of Kenya took the women’s.

A staggering field of around 800 participants, of all ages and levels, took part. For more information on this year’s Bahrain Royal Night Half-Marathon or to register to take part, visit www.bahrainhalfmarathon.bh.