Muscat: German athlete Christoph Mattner claimed the title of the Middle East Championship 'Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 – Muscat' after completing the race in 3 hours and 51 minutes. He finished ahead of France’s Alexander Kael, who secured second place with a time of 3:53, while Portugal’s Rafael Dominguez came third in 3:55.
The championship, organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) in cooperation with Middle East Global Events (MGE), was held as part of the global Ironman 70.3 series. The event witnessed broad international participation, reflecting growing global confidence in the Sultanate of Oman’s ability to host world-class competitions that serve as qualifiers for world championships, while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for sports tourism and endurance events.
The race attracted 1,049 athletes from 82 countries, highlighting Oman’s organisational readiness, advanced infrastructure and qualified national competencies through an integrated model of cooperation among relevant stakeholders. This further strengthens the Sultanate of Oman’s presence on the international events map with tangible tourism and economic returns.
The closing ceremony included recognition of sponsors and supporting entities, in addition to awarding winners across various age categories, showcasing key race highlights, and presenting musical and entertainment performances.
The competition took place at Al Qurum Beach in Muscat Governorate, where athletes competed across three stages: a 1.9 km open-water swim, a 90 km cycling course, and a 21.1 km run along the coastline. The routes reflected Oman’s diverse natural landscape, combining sea views and open terrain in a fully integrated sporting and tourism experience.
Anwar bin Said al Balushi, Director of Tourism Events at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that the current edition further positioned Oman as an ideal destination for hosting global championships, thanks to its natural assets, geographic diversity, favourable climate, and advanced infrastructure capable of accommodating various sporting events. He added that the Ministry is committed to supporting sports activities that stimulate tourism and generate both direct and indirect economic returns across aviation, transport, hospitality, restaurants and other tourism-related sectors.
VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY
He also noted that the partnership with the Ironman Group represents a valuable opportunity to showcase Oman’s unique tourism offerings and increase visitor inflows from diverse international markets. Ironman events, he added, are among the key platforms relied upon by the Ministry to enhance Oman’s positioning as a premium global tourism destination, in line with broader plans to develop the tourism sector and diversify sources of income.
Alongside the main championship, an Ironman Kids Race was organised to instil a culture of sport and challenge among children, promote healthy lifestyles, and engage families in a comprehensive community experience that contributes to building a promising generation of Omani athletes.
The event received extensive international media coverage, spotlighting Oman’s natural and tourism assets and reinforcing its image as a safe and well-prepared global destination for major events, linking sport with an integrated tourism experience in support of the sector’s strategic objectives.
In parallel, the championship provided Omani sports tourism companies with an opportunity to showcase their services to a global audience, open new international communication channels, and strengthen prospects for future partnerships and investments. It also offered Omani athletes direct exposure to elite international professionals, enhancing technical and physical readiness and building a competitive base capable of international performance.
MONTHS OF PREPARATION
Champion Christoph Mattner said he was delighted to finish the race and claim the title, noting that months of continuous preparation were needed to build both physical fitness and mental endurance. “It was an exceptional experience,” he said. “The challenge goes beyond physical effort to willpower and discipline, and crossing the finish line gave me an indescribable sense of pride and achievement.”
Mattner also praised the scenic course passing through landmark locations that blend sea and mountain views, adding a distinctive visual dimension to the event. He added that despite the strong competition, the spirit of sportsmanship among athletes created a positive and motivating atmosphere throughout the race.
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