ATHLETICS – BANK of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) emerged as overall winners yesterday in the Bahrain Marathon Relay 2024 – one of the kingdom’s biggest and most popular charity running races.
BBK completed the 14-stage, 44-kilometre event held in the Zallaq area in a total time of two hours 38 minutes and six seconds.
They enjoyed a comfortable lead of over eight minutes from their closest challengers Al Mazaideh Restaurant, who finished as runners-up in 2:46:13, while Al Kuwaiti Auto Parts completed the top three in 2:48:55.
BMMI Group took fourth overall in 2:54:24 and they also finished first in the trading companies category, Bapco Refining Pro Team came fifth overall in 3:13:22 and were the top performers amongst industrial companies, and GPIC were sixth in 3:17:17.
The Leopard’s were ranked seventh overall in 3:17:26 and were also first in the construction and real estate class, while Crowne Plaza Bahrain were eighth in 3:21:35 and were the best finishers in the hospitals, hotels, and catering category.
Rounding out the race’s top 10 overall were Naseem International School in 3:29:32 to take the victory amongst universities and schools, while Bank ABC followed in 3:31:30 to win the bank and insurance category.
Amongst the winners in the other classes, Stratum Surfers were first in government and advisory; CFD Beast Mode won the gym and sport team class; STS Veterans were victors in the IT, Telecom, media, and logistics; and Bahrain Rugby Football Club were winners amongst social clubs.
This year’s Bahrain Marathon Relay was the first time it was held since 2019, following a four-year hiatus resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Bahrain Road Runners (BRR) organised the event in cooperation with The British Club Bahrain and the Bahrain Athletics Association.
“The Bahrain Road Runners organised the Bahrain Marathon Relay for the first time and we had 121 teams take part,” vice-chairman and the race’s steering committee head Khalifa Najem told the GDN last night.
“There was huge demand from local corporations in Bahrain and race day attracted more than 1,600 runners and over 2,000 spectators.
“The race went very well along the new route and most of the participants loved it; the weather was very lovely and the most important thing is that all the teams completed the whole distance of 44km, and they finished happily and safe.
“BRR would like to thank all the teams for their cooperation and all the sponsors for their support, and a special thanks also to all the volunteers.”
The amount raised for charity in this year’s Bahrain Marathon Relay will be announced at a later date.
GDN Media were amongst yesterday’s participants. The squad was composed of 14 members, spearheaded by GDN Media managing editor Stanley Szecowka. The team put in a valiant effort although did not make the six-hour cut-off time. They did, however, bring the baton home and made it all the way to the finish.
“It’s the participation that counts!” said Szecowka after the race.
The Bahrain Marathon Relay was founded by The British Club Bahrain in 1981 and has become an important highlight on the annual sporting calendar in the kingdom. The race is promoted as a fun run aimed at participants of all standards, from elite athletes to keen joggers and even once-a-year runners.
Net proceeds from past events’ sponsorships and entry fees have been distributed to charitable causes within Bahrain. Previous beneficiaries included the Mother and Child Welfare Centre, Mobility International, Al Manar Home for the Elderly, RIA Centre, and the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, to name a few.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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