The Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) women’s military athletics team made history by winning first place in the 2nd World Military Half Marathon Championship held in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. The team’s outstanding performance led them to victory at both the team and individual levels, securing the World Military Half Marathon Championship title. The men’s team also achieved success by securing third place in the team category. The championship featured 260 male and female runners from 32 countries, showcasing the elite talent of military athletes from around the world.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, BDF Commander-in-Chief, commended the team’s incredible achievement and attributed their success to the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Commander-in-Chief also highlighted the BDF’s dedication to developing military sports and expressed his pride in the team’s exceptional performance. The victory in the World Military Half Marathon Championship serves as a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to excellence in military athletics.
The BDF women’s team dominated the competition with impressive individual performances, with runner Taigest Mekonnen clinching first place with a time of 1:09:37 hours. Viola Gigomba and Ruth Jebet followed closely behind, securing second and third place, respectively. In the men’s race, the BDF’s military athletics team showcased their talent by securing third place in the team category. Runners Abraham Cherubin and Rob Albert delivered outstanding performances, finishing in second and third place with times of 1:02:45 hours and 1:02:52 hours, respectively.
The 2nd World Military Half Marathon Championship brought together elite military athletes from across the globe to compete in a challenging and prestigious event. The competition not only showcased the talent and determination of the participants but also highlighted the importance of military sports in promoting physical fitness and camaraderie among armed forces personnel. The success of the BDF women’s and men’s teams in the championship further solidifies Bahrain’s position as a powerhouse in military athletics and underscores the country’s commitment to excellence on the world stage.
The BDF’s victory in the 2nd World Military Half Marathon Championship is a testament to the team’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional skill. The triumph would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the commitment of the BDF to developing military sports. The team’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring military athletes and a source of pride for the people of Bahrain. The BDF’s achievement in the championship exemplifies the spirit of excellence and teamwork that defines the armed forces and showcases Bahrain’s ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of international competition.