HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports confirmed that the Middle East Ironman 70.3 which Bahrain will host for the fifth year on the trot is considered an important event that enjoys the support and interest of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain as well as the follow-up of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, First Deputy Prime Minister. 
Taking place on December 7, 2019, the event received the registration of 700 applications from both genders to date, while supporting activities IRONKIDS and IRONGIRL are expected to feature a huge number of participants too. HH Shaikh Nasser said that reaching the fifth edition of this renown event represents a great milestone for the Kingdom of Bahrain and confirms its worthiness to host the world’s top sports events and deliver them in the best possible way thanks to its high potential in human resources. “We are keen to spread the culture of the triathlon in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where the base of this sport enthusiasts from both genders is growing,” HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa said.
He added that the Middle East Ironman 70.3 in Bahrain is the right place to boost the Kingdom’s economy as well as the youth and sports movement as the Kingdom considers the sports field plays a vital and effective role in developing the society and its individuals’ health. “Sports represent an important tool to attract investors and maintain the comprehensive development the Kingdom is eying to achieve and contribute to pushing our economy forward. We have full confidence in the High Organising Committee of the Middle East Ironman 70.3 to make the event a tremendous success,” HH Shaikh Nasser concluded. 
Online Registration
It’s worth noting that the High Organising Committee has opened the door for those interested to take part in the event via visiting the following link: (m.eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/bahrain.aspx) and complete the registration. 
700 Applicants
The High Organising Committee received more than 700 registration applications, of whom 570 women and 130 from men. This number is expected to double in the coming period as the previous edition witnessed the participation from 84 countries from across the world. 
Al Hajj: Striving for New Success
Ahmed Al Hajj, Director of the Championship, appreciated the constant follow up of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa with the organising committee, stressing that His Highness is the biggest supporter to the committee and is concerned to continue the perfect organizing of the championship, which witnesses wide participation in its fifth edition, adding that the organizing committee will visit the venue of the championship in the next few days. Ahmed Al Hajj stated that the organising committee will face a new test to prove its capabilities by organizing the championship for the fifth consecutive year, adding that committee members will spare no effort to bring about the championship in the best level to emphasize on the Kingdom’s capability to host grand championships.
Speaking more on the championship and its stages, Ahmed Al Hajj explained that the committee has received more than 700 applications to take part in the championship, adding that it is early finalizing the number of participants, as they are expected to multiply in the next few days. Ahmed Al Hajj also pointed out that the championship includes a swimming race for 1.9KM, a cycling race for 90KM and a running race for 21.1KM, adding that the committee will announce the course of each race within the next few days.
Amal Al Murbati: Wide Participation Expected
On her part, Amal Al Murbati, CEO of Faaliyat; the organising company of the championship, said the committee will inspect the venue of the championship in the upcoming days and will set all the details of the event in a press conference, explaining that the committee is keen on presenting the championship in the best way, reflecting the bright image of the Kingdom of Bahrain with regards to organizing such big events, under the support and follow up of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Amal Al Murbati also noted that the Ironman Middle East Championship is considered as one of the championships that promote the Kingdom of Bahrain in a remarkable way, adding that the committee is constantly working to make the fifth edition a success.
Sponsors Announcement
Amal Al Murbati confirmed that the organizing committee will announce the sponsoring companies, institutions and government bodies of the championship in the near future. She also explained that the organizing committee will hold a press conference to announce all of the details of the championship.
75 Slots In World Championship
The Ironman Middle East Championship, which will be organized in Bahrain on December 7, 2019, is considered as a significant championship, especially that it qualifies 75 participants to take part in the World Ironman Championship, which will be held next year in Taupo, New Zealand.
Considering the success of the previous championship, which witnessed the participation of over 1500 athletes of both genders and representing 84 countries, the number of participants is expected to increase this year especially that registration remains open for applicants.
IronKids and Aquathlon Success
The organizing committee announced that the IronKids and Aquathlon contests will be held as part of the championship, as an open running race, in accordance with the child’s age, will be organized for children below the age of 18 years. The previous event had witnessed the participation of more than 800 contesters, and more are expected to register this year. It’s worth mentioning that the IronKids and Aquathlon contests consist of running and swimming races for children below the age of 18 years. The age of each child specifies the distance they will race for.
IronGirl
It is an exclusive event for women (15 years and above) and it supports several causes such as women empowerment and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The event will be held one day ahead of the main race for amateurs and pros. It will be for 5KM. The previous edition witnessed the participation of more than 200 women.
