The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Triathlon Federation to accelerate the growth of triathlon across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration aims to establish a framework to develop the sport from grassroots to elite levels while inspiring mass participation and healthy lifestyles throughout the country. It sets out a vision to build a sustainable and vibrant triathlon ecosystem, encompassing professional racing, youth development, and community engagement.
The initiative is seen as being central to delivering world-class events that will showcase the world’s best triathletes competing in Saudi Arabia and putting the country’s commitment to multisport on the international stage.
Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, said “Saudi Arabia has shown significant ambition and commitment to sport in recent years, and triathlon is perfectly placed to contribute to that vision.
“Through our collaboration with the Saudi Triathlon Federation and investment from SURJ Sports Investments, we’ll deliver world-class racing in the kingdom to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans and are working towards hosting our first event in Jeddah next November [2026].”
The MOU is built around five key pillars:
- Events – The agreement paves the way for Saudi Arabia to host international triathlon events, including the T100 Triathlon World Tour and other events through PTO’s long-standing commercial partnership with World Triathlon. The partnership also supports the establishment of a Saudi National Triathlon Series for grassroots participation and athlete development.
- Content + Marketing – A strategic content and marketing plan to grow the visibility of triathlon across the kingdom, including securing a Saudi Arabia domestic broadcast partner for the sport in the region.
- Sporting Development – The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of Saudi national triathletes, providing them with exposure to international professionals competing in the kingdom and clear development pathways.
- Social Development – Inspire health and wellness (both physical and mental) in the population of Saudi Arabia through triathlon and its component sports of swim, bike, and run.
- Industry Development – Support for the development of local capabilities within Saudi Arabia, such as officials, event delivery volunteers, and other services to support the new ecosystem.
The partnership marks a step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in sport and follows an investment by SURJ Sports Investment into PTO in July.
Mishaal Al-Sulamain, President of the Saudi Triathlon Federation, said “This MOU represents a milestone moment for triathlon in Saudi Arabia. By working with international partners such as the Professional Triathletes Organisation and World Triathlon, we are creating pathways for our youth, opportunities for our national level athletes and experiences that bring communities together through mass participation.
“Our vision is to see triathlon become part of the kingdom’s sporting identity – from grassroots to the world stage.”
Antonio Arimany, President of World Triathlon, added “World Triathlon is delighted to support this initiative, which perfectly aligns with our mission to grow the sport internationally and make it accessible to all.
“Saudi Arabia’s investment in triathlon will open doors for athletes, coaches, and fans alike, strengthening our sport’s presence in the region and inspiring participation at every level.”
www.protriathletes.org
www.t100triathlon.com
www.sauditriathlon.org
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