The Sultanate of Oman is all set to become an obvious choice for international sporting events, following the launch of Ironman 70.3 Oman by Wanda Sports Holdings Company, together with Triathlon Middle East.
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, the iconic triathlon competition will be held in Muscat. The capital city will also host its first ever 5i50™ triathlon on November 18. The 1.5km (.93 miles) swim, 40km (24.8 mile) and 10km (6.21mile) run is perfect preparation for athletes and beginners in the lead-up to the Ironman 70.3 event in 2019.
Athletes competing in the inaugural Ironman 70.3 event will pass beautiful views of the port city as they complete a 1.9km (1.2 mile) swim, 90.1km (56 mile) bike ride and 21.1km (13.1 mile) run. The Arabian seas provide for a non-wetsuit swim, which will be held in the calm, clear waters beside the desirable suburb of Al Shatti in downtown Muscat.
Al Shatti is also the location of bike transition. Athletes will take on a bike route that likens a travel tour, passing all major monuments of Muscat, including the Royal Opera House, Muttrah Gate and Corniche, the Al Bustan Palace and the enticingly fast Wadi Al Kabir Road. Speed-lovers are in for a treat with a cruise down the flat 18 November Street. The single transition in Al Shatti provides convenience for athletes and a hot spot for spectators who will line the four-lap run course encircling the Royal Opera House and Intercontinental Hotel complex.
As supreme tests of physical and mental toughness, these races require both courage and determination, in addition to physical preparation. But the rewards are great: all finishers gain the sense of personal accomplishment, and for the fastest age groupers, Ironman 70.3 Oman will offer 30 qualifying slots for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.
General registration is now open at www.ironman.com/oman70.3 and www.ironman.com/5150oman.
(Picture courtesy: Ministry of Tourism)