Abu Dhabi: Gulf Multi Sport has announced the return of the season-opening 2XU 5 Star Aquathlon, which will be staged at the Emirates Palace hotel on Friday, October 23.

Competitors will swim in Emirates Palace’s open-water lagoon before transitioning into a run through the hotel grounds in the second annual event.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, tickets are expected to sell out quickly and organisers are urging competitors to sign up at premieronline.com.

Daniel Hughes, the events director of Gulf Multi Sport, said: “The popularity of the Aquathlon series has gone beyond all our expectations. We are committed to offering a family-friendly environment at unique locations over multiple distances that cater for all ages and abilities.

“Last season saw the series host the UAE’s largest field of aquathlon participants, and this year we are expecting just as much demand.”

The aquathlon, presented by National Health Insurance Company — Daman’s Activelife initiative, is open to all ages and is being billed as a fun event for the whole family.

Dr Sven Rohte, chief commercial officer of the National Health Insurance Company — Daman, said: “The aquathlon is a good way to introduce young children to the concept of healthy living. It is a full day of fun for the family and sends an important message that being fit is a lot of fun along with being beneficial.

“The Emirates Palace is a wonderful venue for the family to enjoy and will definitely contribute to the overall experience.”

There are four categories, starting with a junior race for those aged 10 to 16, who will compete in a 200-metre swim and 1.5km run.

Those aged 16 and over can compete in either a 375-metre swim and 2.5km run Super Sprint, or a 750-metre swim and 5km run.

The final race is the ‘Tiny Tri’ category for youngsters aged between two and 10. Open to both swimmers and non-swimmers, the Tiny Tri’s only rule is that the children must swim or wade through the water for 50 metres and then run back to the finish line 100 metres away. This category is extremely popular, organisers say, as it is one of the only sporting events open to juniors of that age.

Registrations are now open at www.premieronline.com, with entry for Tiny Tri costing Dh60, juniors Dh120 and adults Dh180.

On the day, body marking and swim cap collection start from 5.30am.

Spectators are welcome to accompany family and friends participating in the event.