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Mental health advocates and charitable champions from Bahrain will be coming together next month to support F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart’s international charity tackling a disease that will, at some point, affect up to one in every three people worldwide.
Taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on Saturday, April 5, the One Lap Challenge in support of Race Against Dementia is being organised by the British Embassy in collaboration with Formula 1 and the Bahrain Olympic Committee.
“I am proud that BIC can host this important event to support Race Against Dementia,” the circuit’s chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa told GulfWeekly.
“As one of F1’s official charities, it is a reminder of the many good causes that motorsport supports and we are delighted to be able to play our part in that.
“We look forward to welcoming fans from all over the kingdom to the BIC on April 5, as we build the excitement for the Grand Prix weekend.”
Adults are required to pre-register for a nominal amount of BD5, while those under the age of 13 can participate for BD2 each, with all funds directly going to the Race Against Dementia charity.
Doors will open on April 5 at 08.15am, people can watch qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix on giant screens from 9am, and the event itself will start at 10.15am and run until 11.40am, along the Grand Prix track at the BIC.
Water will be provided and food trucks will be present in the car park before and after the event.
Adults can complete the challenge by walking or running, while children are also permitted to use self-propelled scooters.
Bicycles and anything with electric or motor propulsion will not be allowed.
Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE after his wife, Helen, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
“Race Against Dementia is built on the same mindset that drives Formula 1 - teamwork, innovation, precision and resilience,” Race Against Dementia chair of the trustees Mark Stewart added.
“It is the mentality my father, Sir Jackie Stewart, instilled in our researchers to push for faster breakthroughs.
“I’d like to personally thank the British Embassy in Bahrain, the BIC and the great people of Bahrain for supporting this vital cause.
“I am looking forward to attending this incredible event. Together, we can accelerate progress in the race for a cure.”
Dementia is a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and everyday tasks, caused by conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia.
There are more than 200 types, and symptoms worsen over time.
Around 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and without new treatments, one in three people born today will die with dementia.
“Sadly very few people have been spared seeing a friend or family member afflicted by dementia,” British Ambassador Alastair Long explained.
“Race Against Dementia does incredible work and I hope people will turn out in force to support this good cause while enjoying Bahrain’s impressive race circuit.”
The charity has so far invested more than £11 million (BD5.3m), funding more than 129,000 research hours and 21 researchers, with 212 academic papers published.
Since 2023, it has had a presence at multiple F1 Grands Prix, raising funds and awareness of the disease.
Visit https://teambahrain.bh/race-against-dementia/ to register.
