Search
shop

Late season racing: how about IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain?

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain could be a very accessible, late season, last minute addition to your 2017 racing schedule. Here are the basics you need to know.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain 2017: The Race

The third edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain, the Middle East Championship, is fast approaching on Saturday 25th November 2017.

With a reasonable flight time from London of six and a half hours, and a time difference of a very manageable three hours, a late notice trip to the race is far more straightforward than you might imagine.

Having travelled to the original Challenge Bahrain event back in 2014 (HERE), we can speak from experience on that front. We’ll also be returning to the race this year to experience Bahrain under the IRONMAN banner too.

Temperatures are likely to be pleasantly warm – circa 75/80ºc – but far from extreme. Bottom line – if you are considering a late notice addition to your 2017 season, IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain really is a realistic option. With Javier Gomez (ESP) and Daniela Ryf (SUI) chasing the million dollar ‘Triple Crown’ bonus, the Pro field is stacked and there will be plenty of opportunity for star-spotting!

While still based in the capital of Bahrain, Manama (itself a very short taxi ride from the airport), the course has changed since that original event we intended. The bike course still includes a lap of the magnificent Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), home of the Bahrain Formula 1™ Grand Prix, the event is now logistically far easier, with no split transition with the swim / T1 / T2 / run all co-located by the Four Seasons Hotel.

Let’s take a look at the course.

The Swim – 1.9km

A simple, one-lap, clockwise course, Age-Group athletes will begin their day under the rolling start system beginning from 6:30 a.m.

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for Ironman

The Bike – 90km

A one-loop, 90km course, the bike circuit is primarily flat and fast. Departing T1 from the landmark Twisted tower in Bahrain bay, you will pass the Bahrain World Trade Center, Bahrain Financial Harbor, Dilmun Burial Mounds, National Charter Monument and Bahrain International Circuit and then back to Bahrain Bay.

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for Ironman)

With the route heading south and then returning to the north, prevailing winds will likely be a factor on the day. A low wind day could well see some exceptionally fast bike splits on the wide and smooth Bahrain roads. 2016 champion, Terenzo Bozzone (NZL) secured his 2016 win on many of the same roads with a blistering bike split of 1:56:48 – the only athlete to break the two hour mark.

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain

The Run – 21.1km

If you are travelling with family, the new run course should provide fantastic spectating opportunities.

IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain

A four-loop, 21km circuit, each loop contains a number of switch-backs with the whole course contained within a very small area alongside the Bahrain Bay / Four Seasons Hotel base. There should be plenty of opportunity to see your competitors – and perhaps be lapped by some of the stars from the Pro races!

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - DECEMBER 10: Terenzo Bozzone (C) of New Zealand celebrates winning the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain with Steffen Jutus (L) of Germany second and Sam Appleton of Australia third on December 10, 2016 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman)
Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman

Race Website: http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/bahrain.aspx

 

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
Kona scenic 2022 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
The survey results which prompted IRONMAN’s dramatic Kona U-turn
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...