MUSCAT: Hundreds of athletes from over 61 countries including Oman and the UAE recently vied for the top positions of the Dhofar Municipality Ironman 70.3 championship which concluded with great success at the Hawana Salalah by Orascom Development and Omran where the participants showed their grit and endurance marking clear, impressive regional wins.
These athletes demonstrated exceptional fortitude across the competitive triathlon while Oman reinforced its status as a global sports tourism and sports hub. The event featured strong regional participation from, besides the Sultanate, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, alongside international athletes from Germany, France,the United States, and Asia.
In the end of the Global Ironman 70.3 that displayed true strength and willpower, and hosted for the fourth consecutive year in Hawana Salalah, the host country, Oman were ranked first place while UAE athletes bagged both second and third places in the championship and the winners were celebrated during a spectacular awards ceremony held on the evening of October 25.
While Oman, UAE and UK, delivered exceptional performances, earning top positions across men’s, women’s, and mixed relay categories, in addition to multiple finishes in individual age-group competitions, the Ironman 70.3 course tested athletes with a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1 km run, offering an exceptional environment for both athletes and fans, in addition to Ironkids which inspired young champions to enjoy the programme of activities, all against the picturesque backdrop of the coastal and mountainous landscapes.
Speaking to the Observer, Eng Wael al Lawati, CEO of Muriya, said that welcoming athletes from over 61 countries is a testament to the event’s growing global prominence and location’s position as a leading destination for sports tourism.
“We are incredibly proud of the resounding success of this year’s Ironman 70.3 at Hawana Salalah. Beyond showcasing Oman’s natural beauty, this event reinforces the nation’s capacity to host world-class sporting experiences with excellence and ambition, we look forward to hosting many more global events welcoming tourists and visitors from around the world,” Al Lawati said.
Representing the Dhofar Municipality, Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman, said hosting Dhofar Municipality Ironman 70.3 for another consecutive year is a strong validation of Salalah’s appeal and capability in delivering international-scale events.
“Our strategic public-private sector collaboration continues to elevate the experience year after year, encouraging athletes and visitors to return and discover more of what Dhofar has to offer.”
“This year’s edition marked a significant milestone in both global participation and high-caliber execution. The world-class infrastructure and fully integrated environment continue to make it a standout venue for global sporting events. We look forward to building on this momentum and expanding our portfolio of international events in the years ahead,” adds Mohammed al Obaidani, CEO and Founder of MGE.
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