At least 10 major highways will be closed, some in both directions, for several hours on December 6 as thousands of athletes take to the streets for a cross-country triathlon in Bahrain.

Motorists have been urged to find alternative routes or avoid main highways altogether as dozens of traffic policemen will be deployed across the country to ensure the safety of athletes taking part in the 113km Challenge Bahrain race, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The closures will start as early as 6am with the King Faisal Highway, where no cars will be allowed until 11.30am.

Shaikh Isa bin Salman Causeway, going towards Muharraq, and the Dry Dock Highway going from Arad to Hidd will both be shut down from 7.40am to 10.30am, while the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Causeway, going towards Al Fateh Highway, will be closed from 8am to 10.30am.

The King Faisal Highway, opposite Bahrain Financial Harbour, the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway and the Zallaq Highway will all be closed between 8.30am and 1pm.

The event, with a total prize fund of $500,000, is being organised by Challenge Family and Nasser bin Hamad Foundation.

It will bring together amateur and professional athletes including world champions, Olympic champions and some of the greatest names in triathlon such as Mirinda Carfrae (Australia) and Jan Frodeno (Germany).

The gruelling race includes a 1.9km swim across Bahrain Bay, followed by a 90km bicycle race through Manama and Muharraq before heading out to Sakhir, and a 21km run that starts and ends at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and circles Al Areen Wildlife Park.

It will kick off at 7.30am at Bahrain Bay and will end at the BIC, where an awards ceremony will take place at 7pm.

"There are detailed routes that have been planned for the day," said an organiser.

"Each road has a time when it will be closed.

"There have also been diversions set up and it is all on our website www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh.

"This is a major sporting event for Bahrain. It is essential that the event is conducted in a safe manner and therefore the Interior Ministry, the police and the Challenge Bahrain have produced and approved a traffic management plan which will be implemented for this event."

Designated car parks near the Bahrain Bay, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, the Golden Tulip and the BIC have been set up for supporters.

The GDN earlier reported that the event has a purse of $500,000 with the winners in both the men's and women's categories walking away with $100,000 each.

To promote GCC participation an additional $60,000 will be set aside for Gulf athletes making the top 10 list.

The following roads will be partially or completely closed for the big race:

King Faisal Highway will be closed from 6am to 11.30am - with no vehicle access at all.

Shaikh Isa bin Salman Causeway, going towards Muharraq from Manama, will be closed from 7.40am to 10.30am.

Al Ghous Highway will be closed from 7.40am to 10.30am.

The Dry Dock Highway, going from Arad to Hidd, will be closed between 7.40am and 10.30am.

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Causeway, going towards Al Fateh Highway, and the Al Fateh Highway bridge to Bahrain Bay will be closed from 8am to 10.30am.

The King Faisal Highway, opposite Bahrain Financial Harbour, the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway and the Zallaq Highway will be closed between 8.30am and 1pm.

The Zallaq Highway intersection that leads to the Gulf of Bahrain Avenue will be closed from 9am to 1.30am. The road leading to Bahrain International Circuit and the road going to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park will be closed from 9am to 5pm. - TradeArabia News Service