It’s the final race of the 2XU/ GO Sport triathlon championships on Friday, March 28, and organisers are encouraging more participants to sign up for what will be a great day out.
Approximately 700 people took part in the previous two races which were deemed a huge success and organisers are expecting the overall participation figure to reach 1,000.
Triathlon has often been in the shadow of most sports and it’s only probably during the Commonwealth or Olympic Games that we hear of the sport and what it entails. Around the world, especially here in the UAE, there are many triathlon competitions taking place and it’s now becoming a popular sport since its introduction in the 1920s.
The triathlon consists of swimming, cycling and running. The participants’ times also include the transition times between each discipline. As soon as the race begins your time counts meaning that switching disciplines is also part of the process.
Taking place at Mamzar, outside the beach park in Dubai, the race will have four distances – junior super sprint (200m swim, 8km cycle and 2.5km run, super sprint (375m swim, 8km cycle and 2.5km run), sprint (750m swim, 24km cycle and 5km run), and Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run).
While the junior sprint is open to children aged 12 and under, the other disciplines will have different age categories – 18 and under, 19 to 39, 40 to 49, and 50 and over.
Participants will be able to enjoy swimming in the calm waters of the lagoon, cycling on closed roads and running on a designated track which will ensure a safe and speedy race for all.
Along with the individual races,there is also a relay category where one person can compete in each discipline. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers and as an added incentive one Olympic distance finisher from the three overall races will win an all-expenses paid trip to Phuket in Thailand and the opportunity to take part in the Phuket triathlon in November.
“Olympic distance triathletes (from race one, two and three) will receive draw entries relative to their finishing position with the winner receiving 100 entries and last place getting one entry. “So all you need to do is race hard or finish the race and you stand a chance of getting to compete in the Laguna Phuket Triathlon,” said race director Warren van der Merwe.
Entry fees are Dh300 for adults, Dh225 for juniors (under 18) and Dh175 per person for those who wish to compete in the relay.
To encourage more families to sign up, organisers will offer 50 per cent discount off the overall total. If you fancy competing then you must register fast as the closing date is today.
Register by visiting www.premieronline.com where you will also find more information. And if you’re still contemplating whether to take part, Van der Merwe, says people shouldn’t miss out on this ‘ultimate challenge’ especially as the next race of the new championship will be in November.
“It’s the ultimate challenge. Many people can swim, run or cycle but it’s combining all three components and doing it all in one go. With this being the last race of the championship, people can broaden their horizons before the next race (of the new championship) in November,” says Van der Merwe.
What: 2XU/GO Sport triathlon, third race
Where: Mamzar outside the beach park, Dubai
When: Friday, March 28
Contact: For registration visit www.premieronline.com (closing date today). For more information email warren@supersportsdubai. com.
