BAHRAIN will be hosting its first-ever international half-marathon in March of next year.

This was announced by the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA). It comes after the BAA received the green light from His Majesty the King’s Charity Works and Youth Affairs representative, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to organise the event.

According to BAA vice-president Mohammed bin Jalal, the half-marathon will be held as a night race, which would be the first in history.

The BAA is currently working with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in finalising the course as well as other important details.

They are also working in cooperation with the company Tumooh in the organisation of the race.

Registration

Bin Jalal said that the BAA will be opening registration immediately after everything is approved by the IAAF.

The BAA intends to host the half-marathon on an annual basis. A huge prize purse will be allocated for the winning professional runners, which should attract a large number of elite international athletes including many of Bahrain’s own.

Bin Jalal noted that March is an ideal month to host the half-marathon as it is not yet expected to be very hot at that time, especially at night.

Furthermore, he said that the half-marathon will generate all kinds of benefits for the Kingdom of Bahrain. It will promote the country on the international stage of athletics, and it will bring in a positive economic impact especially for local hotels, restaurants, airlines, transportation providers, commercial entities and many others.

Bin Jalal also revealed that there will be many events taking place on the sidelines of the marathon, such as musical performances by famous singers, organised together with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and other government bodies.