On Saturday, 5 April, the world-renowned Bahrain International Circuit opened its gates not for a Grand Prix, but for a race with an entirely different goal.
The British Embassy in Bahrain joined forces with the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Formula 1 and the circuit itself to host the One Lap Challenge, an ambitious fundraising event in support of Race Against Dementia.
Adults laced up their trainers and children rolled out their scooters to complete one full lap of the track, spurred on not by a roaring F1 engine, but by Race Against Dementia’s ultimate ambition of curing the disease.
As it happened
With the gates to the circuit opening at 08:15 local time, the atmosphere built as the morning progressed.
Participants gathered to watch a live screening of the Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying at 09:00, which served as a pertinent reminder of what can be achieved when strategy, teamwork and a competitive mindset work towards a common goal.
Then, at 10:15, the track itself came to life when the One Lap Challenge got underway in earnest. People of all ages poured onto the circuit and by 11:40, over 2,500 people had crossed the finish line.
Each of the participants donated to Race Against Dementia, each becoming part of something bigger than themselves; humanity’s shared race against one of the world’s cruellest diseases.
After the challenge had ended, food trucks and refreshments offered a well-earned pit stop, while the camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose lingered well beyond the finish line.
“Race Against Dementia is built on the same mindset that drives Formula 1 – teamwork, innovation, precision and resilience”
The race we must win
Every penny raised directly supports Race Against Dementia’s pioneering researchers; brilliant minds working with the same innovation and rapid adaptability of the F1 paddock to uncover new dementia treatments and ultimately, a cure.
Mark Stewart, Chair of the Trustees at Race Against Dementia, captured the spirit of the day:
“Race Against Dementia is built on the same mindset that drives Formula 1 – teamwork, innovation, precision and resilience. 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 Bahrain International Circuit and the great people of Bahrain for supporting this vital cause. Together, we can accelerate progress in the race for a cure.”
