The 2014 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, taking place on Saturday 15 March, is marking its fifth anniversary with its first, completely sold out event. A line-up of 2,400 triathletes from 68 countries are due to converge on Abu Dhabi Corniche making it ‘one of the world’s 20 largest must-do triathlons’.
“The huge demand for the event demonstrates a consistent rise in amateurs and elites looking for the ultimate triathlon challenge with 60% of racers registered from around the world and 40% from the UAE alone,” explained Faisal Al Sheikh, Director, Events Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which presents the annual event.
“The number of keen triathletes flying in for the race from countries such as Russia, Portugal, the Philippines, Brazil, South Africa, Japan and Finland continues to rise which is a positive indicator of the event’s success and growth on a global scale.”
Helping to raise the profile of the Abu Dhabi event, high profile elite triathletes have continued to make their way to Abu Dhabi – with reigning Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee and his brother Jonathan, the 2012 ITU World Champion, both confirmed to open their seasons in the emirate on 15 March.
The Brownlees will go head-to-head, with Jonathan hoping to clinch the title from his brother – the event’s current reigning champion.
The International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) successful bid two years ago for the inclusion of triathlon in the Arab Games 2015 was also seen as a significant step for the sport in the Middle East, offering an additional opportunity to showcase the sport internationally and promote it as a gateway to active lifestyles.
“We are hoping this event will inspire more adults and children in the region to engage in the sport and encourage the international community to travel to the Emirates,” added Al Sheikh.
This year the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon features first-time entries from as far afield as Algeria, China, Ethiopia, Iceland, Norway, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine and Vietnam.
The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon will again offer three different distances — long, short and sprint courses — for racers of all abilities. The short and sprint distances also offer the popular option of relay entry, allowing groups of colleagues, families and friends to tackle the event together.
Amateur athletes have the chance to compete alongside a world-class field of elite triathletes on the spectacular course, which starts with a swim in the crystal blue waters off Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, continues with the cycling stage across to Saadiyat and Yas islands, and concludes with a run out past the iconic Marina Mall breakwater.
In addition to Olympic gold and bronze medallists the Brownlee brothers, star names included defending Belgium’s Frederick Van Lierde and Australia’s Melissa Hauschildt and Spain’s Eneko Llanos. Many more athletes will be lining up to claim the prestigious title.
For those wanting to cheer on their children, friends and family members at the race there will be a Fans Village on the Corniche East Plaza, filled with action-packed activities, ‘money-can’t-buy giveaways and tons of prizes to be won all day.
In addition to all the race action, stilt walkers, Zumba instructors and Capoeira (Brazilian martial art) performers will be on hand throughout the day to entertain kids and adults alike.
