Oman is expected to attract thousands of athletes and spectators to the country's capital Muscat for the inaugural Ironman 70.3, which is set to take place in March 2019.

Organised by Ironman, a Wanda Sports Holdings Company, together with Triathlon Middle East and supported by the Oman Ministry of Tourism (MoT), the Ironman 70.3 course will pass beautiful views of the port city as they complete a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim, 90.1km (56-mile) bike ride and 21.1km (13.1-mile) run during the inaugural event in Oman.

The Arabian seas provide for a non-wetsuit swim, which will be held in the calm, clear waters beside the desirable suburb of Al Shatti in downtown Muscat.

The Ironman 70.3 Oman offers 30 qualifying slots for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.

“It is with great pride that we announce the launch of Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in Oman,” said Sayyid Adil bin Mirdas Al Busaidi, advisor on Tourism Affairs, Ministry of Tourism. “It is our mission to make the sultanate an obvious choice for international sports, as we believe the country has a lot to offer with its enthralling beauty. Perfect weather awaits athletes as the warm desert heat is at bay during the cool season, leaving idyllic racing conditions that will entice both new and experienced triathletes. The country is well suited for holding events such as running, cycling, and swimming competitions,” he added.

“We are more than honoured to host athletes from around the world to our beloved nation,” said race director and chief executive officer of Triathlon Middle East, Mohamed Al Obaidani. “Triathlon is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic sports in the world, therefore, we want to bring the culture of triathlons and healthy lifestyle to Oman, aiming to make our nation prominent in this area,” he added.

Just as triathlon celebrates the fusion of swim, bike and run, Oman fuses Middle Eastern culture with modernistic, western lifestyles, creating a perfect destination for Ironman 70.3. Oman will also host its first 5i50 triathlon on November 18. The 1.5 km swim, 40km and 10k run is perfect preparation for athletes and beginners in the lead up to the main event. - TradeArabia News Service