Abu Dhabi: A new course layout has been announced for next month’s ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, promising an ‘unforgettable experience’ for both participants and spectators.
More than 2,000 athletes from around the world will swim, bike and run in the event on Corniche beach on March 7.
Local organising committee director, Iain Banner, said: “The course has been designed to give both the athlete and the spectator an unforgettable experience on the day. The course features multiple laps, which allow spectators to support their favourite triathletes and loved ones from the sidelines for the whole race.”
The inaugural event will feature one of the most picturesque and spectator-friendly courses on the ITU World Triathlon Series circuit this season, organisers say.
The scenic course highlights the capital’s iconic landmark, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, where all athletes will begin and end their race next to the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club.
All athletes will have the chance to take in the waterfront stretch on the bike ride at least once doing the sprint distance. Meanwhile, Olympic distance athletes will complete two laps around the Corniche, and Maxi distance professionals will cross the finish line after four laps.
“With all three distances – Maxi, Olympic and Sprint – the race is certainly accessible to everyone, from professional triathletes to first-timers searching for a fun and exciting challenge. You can do it with friends and enter as a team to split the workload and make it more manageable,” added Banner.
Host partner, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), are looking forward to what officials feel will be the most anticipated triathlon event of the season in the Middle East. Talal Al Hashemi, ADSC’s Technical Affairs Director, said: “The course layout is one of the main highlights of this race and will showcase the breathtaking views of Abu Dhabi to international athletes and visitors flying in for the race. We are working together with our sponsors to ensure that all race requirements are met from an operational and experiential perspective and we are counting down to kicking off the largest triathlon event in the region.”
Organisers are also putting on a junior event, The Aquathlon, part of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi on March 6. It will feature distances for children from the age of 5 to 17. For those who would like to watch from the stands, both events will feature a spectator-friendly environment, including a 1,000-seater grandstand.
There are still places up for grabs on the official event website - http://abudhabi.triathlon.org/enter. The race features three course options: Sprint (0.5-kilometre swim, 20km cycle, 5km run), Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) and Maxi (2km swim, 80km cycle, 20km run). All course options can also be run with friends or family as a team relay.
