Challenge Bahrain has announced its prize purse for age group Bahraini and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) athletes taking part in the half distance triathlon event on 6 December.
The prize purse is usually the domain of professional athletes but to celebrate triathlon taking place in Bahrain, the reward has been extended to amateur male and female individuals, as well as relay teams, to support the development of the sport in this emerging triathlon nation.
Challenge Bahrain will take athletes of all ages and abilities on a journey through Bahrain’s history, from the high tech future to the roots of this ancient civilization. This race will allow age group athletes to race with the over 50 of the world’s top ranked professional athletes.
The Challenge Bahrain prize purse is evenly split between men and women for Bahraini individuals. First place will walk away with US$2,000; the remaining four will go home with: 2nd US$1,500, 3rd US$1,000, 4th US$500 and 5th US$250.
For Bahraini relay teams (female/male/mixed) the prize purse breakdown is as follows: 1st US$2,000, 2nd US$1,500, 3rd US$1,000, 4th US$500 and 5th US$250.
GCC nationals (female/male) and the top 5 relay teams also get a piece of the prize purse. The split goes as follows: 1st US$2,000, 2nd US$1,500, 3rd US$1,000, 4th US$500, and 5th US$250.
“While Challenge Bahrain aims to position itself amongst the best sport events from around the world, we will also use this high profile international event as a strategy to promote sports and fitness amongst our citizens in The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council,” said Dr Saqer Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Triathlon Association. “Thus, we have dedicated US$50,000 prize purse solely to support and encourage Bahrainis and their brothers and sisters in this region.”
The inaugural Challenge Bahrain takes place on 6 December 2014 with entries closing on 31 October 2014.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is also now on board as ‘Official Race Hotel’ for the event. For travelling triathletes, Sofitel Bahrain presents a unique venue for visitors to the Kingdom of Bahrain and is seen to be ideally suited for visitors with it is strong location, next to the Bahrain International Circuit, combined with it is unique facilities.
The hotel offers direct access to it is own private beach along with a private pool and its dedicated SoFit Health Club. Athletes will enjoy a selection of facilities to maintain their fitness levels during their stay and following the race will have the opportunity to experience the hotel’s Thalassa Seawater Spa, one of the only Seawater Spas in the GCC region.
The hotel features 262 rooms, each with a view of the Arabian Gulf, in addition to offering a wealth of different cuisine from its five restaurants covering Italian, South East Asian, French Seafood, International & Arabic Cuisines.
