Race is on to enrol in Abu Dhabi’s first triathlon
More than 260 athletes from 25 countries have signed up to compete in the first ever Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT), just one month after the event opened.
Aimed at attracting up to 1,000 triathletes, including the world’s top 50, ADIT has already secured competitors from Australasia, Europe, USA, Africa and Asia.
“We are highly encouraged by the tremendous interest from both amateur and professional athletes,” says Faisal Al Sheikh, head of the Major Events Division at Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which is hosting the competition.
“The event, to be held on March 13, will be a landmark on the international triathlon calendar. It will unite triathletes from around the world in one of the most exciting destinations imaginable.”
The adrenaline-pumping ADIT will boast two unique challenges – a testing 223km ‘pure power’ course and a second 111.5km route, which can be run as a team relay event. Both distances are open to elites and amateurs, a key facet in the event’s broad appeal.
This first-of-its-kind format, with a shorter finishing running leg, will allow athletes to recover faster and compete more often – a crucial factor in international triathlon community success.
To enhance the accessibility of the event for aspiring athletes and corporate involvement, ADTA has introduced a relay element for the 111.5km route, whereby teams of three can take on a single discipline – 1.5km swim, 100km cycle or 10km run.
“ADIT was designed to be accessible to all levels and engage the community fully, whether seasoned pros or those determined to get really fit. The relay option helps achieve that goal. It’s a great team-building initiative and is suitable for companies or organisations looking to promote health and fitness, or even a group of friends wanting to try something new,” says Al Sheikh.
Both ADIT routes will take in a host of Abu Dhabi city landmarks, with the event’s opening swim leg taking place in the lagoon of the hallmark Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The cycling section will pass some of the destination’s most iconic sights, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, along Abu Dhabi’s signature Corniche and over to Saadiyat Island – all under the safety of completely closed roads.
Competitors will then travel on to the emerging entertainment hub of Yas Island – home to the successful 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where they will compete on the same circuit as many of the world’s top racing drivers, before the running section takes them back to the Corniche through the Heritage Village.
Around 1,000 places are available for the inaugural ADIT, charged at US$180 and US$123 for the long and short distances respectively. For further information and to register for ADIT, visit abudhabitriathlon.com.
