The US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is the latest addition to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) burgeoning sports event portfolio. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon, the inaugural triathlon in the UAE’s capital will take place on Saturday 13 March 2010.
After the successful hosting of the Formula One Grand Prix, which saw hotel occupancy at 100% in the capital, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon will provide a further boost to the Emirate’s tourism industry.
ADTA, which uses sport as a destination awareness-building platform to promote the Emirate as a rapidly emerging business and leisure destination of distinction, believes the triathlon will quickly become a top-tier fixture on the annual global triathlon racing calendar.
Up to 1,000 athletes from across the world, including 900 amateur residents, are expected to take part in the long and short distance courses.
The main long distance route has been specially designed to take in a host of Abu Dhabi city landmarks. The opening swim leg takes place in the lagoon of the iconic Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
The second shorter 111.5kms route, which can be run as a team relay event, is also available, with both distances open to elites and amateurs.
Short distance race: 1.5km swim / 100km bike / 10km run
Long distance: 3km swim / 200km bike / 20km run
“The course has been designed by triathlon specialists to ensure both professional and amateur athletes are challenged yet exhilarated by what they see and by the terrain they cover. This will be a unique, world-class event promising an incomparable level of competitor experience and excitement,” said Jon Hazan, Abu Dhabi International Triathlon’s Operations Director.
One man who is relishing the chance to show off his racing credentials is Faris Al Sultan, the 2005 Ironman World Championship winner and captain of Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon – the international triathlon squad backed by ADTA.
“The course, whilst extremely demanding, will avoid the longer-term punishing results on an athlete’s body, which means a quicker recover. I have personally trained along parts of this route and know that it will be both challenging yet exciting. Abu Dhabi city has a wealth of cultural and tourism attractions, so the course will certainly keep athletes pleasantly entertained,” said Al Sultan, who had just returned from Hawaii, where he clocked up a top 10 finish in the 2009 Ironman World Championship.
Of the 1,000 places that are available for the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, these are charged at US$150 for the long-distance and US$96 for the shorter event prior to 31 December 2009. Prices from 1 January 2010 will be US$180 and US$123 for the long and short distances respectively.
Travel packages for international triathletes are available via Sports Tours International.
