Saturday 14 / February / 2026
Muscat: German athlete Christoph Mattner claimed the Middle East title at the Experience Oman Ironman 70.3 Muscat, completing the race in 3 hours and 51 minutes. France’s Alexander Kael secured second place with a time of 3:53, while Portugal’s Rafael Dominguez finished third in 3:55.
The championship concluded today under the supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, as part of the global Ironman 70.3 race series.
The event attracted petitio1,049 athletes representing 82 countries, underscoring Oman’s growing reputation as a trusted host for world-class sporting comns and reinforcing its position as a regional hub for sports tourism and endurance events.
The race took place along Qurum Beach, featuring a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km cycling stage, and a 21.1 km run along scenic coastal routes that highlighted the Sultanate’s natural diversity. Organizers noted that the championship served as a strategic platform to promote Oman globally, stimulate economic activity, and support the development of sustainable sports tourism.
At the closing ceremony, winners across various age groups were honored, while entertainment and musical performances marked the conclusion of the event.
Anwar Al Balushi, Director of Tourism Events at the Ministry, said the championship showcased Oman as an ideal destination for international sporting competitions thanks to its favorable climate, diverse geography, and advanced infrastructure. He added that hosting such events contributes to tourism growth and generates economic benefits across aviation, transport, hospitality, and related sectors.
Alongside the main race, a children’s “Iron Kids” event was organized to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage youth participation in sports, while also engaging families in the broader community experience.
The championship received wide international media coverage, spotlighting Oman’s natural attractions and reinforcing its image as a safe and capable destination for major global events. Organizers also emphasized the strong role played by volunteers, training initiatives, and temporary employment opportunities created during the event.
In parallel with the competition, a unified digital tourism booking platform was launched, bringing together more than 200 tourism service providers, over 350 experiences, 56 travel packages, and more than 140 hotels. The platform aims to simplify visitor access to tourism offerings and maximize the economic returns of international sporting events through digital transformation.
Mattner described his victory as the result of months of preparation and discipline, calling the race “an exceptional experience” that tested both physical endurance and mental strength. Participants from China and Oman also praised the organization and competitive spirit of the event, highlighting its value in advancing personal athletic goals and promoting Oman on the global sports stage.
