Billed as a ‘ground-breaking event’ in Challenge Family’s 2025 roster, Challenge Sir Bani Yas in Abu Dhabi has captured the imagination of 2023 IRONMAN world champion, Sam Laidlow, as he confirms his place on the start line on April 5th.
“I am excited to race Sir Bani Yas Challenge this year, it’s not often a completely new race comes along in what looks to be an amazing location,” said Laidlow. “There’s always something special about being part of an inaugural event, and I’m determined to take the top step.”
Joining him is Spanish star, Sara Pérez Sala, who has previously both won and placed second at Challenge Family’s The Championship. As a former Olympic swimmer, she’s also renowned as one of the fastest swimmers in triathlon.
Laidlow and Pérez Sala head a soon-to-be-announced elite field on the island of Sir Bani Yas off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The triathlon experience sees athletes race through the island’s landscapes and unique wildlife that includes giraffes, onyx, cheetahs and antelopes.
In their downtime athletes can enjoy all-inclusive accommodation and entertainment on-board the event’s floating hotel, a specially chartered cruise ship, as well as on-island ecotourism activities.
The professional race is contested over the middle distance (113km) while age group athletes have the option to race both the middle distance and the UAE’s first long distance (226km) event, as well as a multitude of side events for supporting friends and family.
The swim takes place in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The multi-lap bike crosses one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves. The traffic-free road surface is smooth and fast, while a couple of elevation points will keep things interesting. The run course is fast and flat, alternating between the lights and energising beats around the race village and the peace of the island’s lagoon with its wildlife.
The inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas takes place over three days and four nights on April 3-7, 20225. Athletes from over 40 nations have already secured their place at the event, which… ‘promises to embrace the region’s culture while setting a new standard in athlete experience.’
