The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is marking its fifth anniversary on Saturday with a first completely sold-out event, in which 2,400 triathletes from 68 countries are due to converge on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.
London 2012 Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and his bronze medal winning brother Jonathan head a field which offers amateurs the chance to compete alongside world-class professionals. The success of the race in recent years has made it one of the world’s most popular triathlons.
On Friday, budding triathletes will also be able to compete in the Abu Dhabi Junior Triathlon, in an event in which they will also be able to meet the Brownlees and defending ADIT champion Frederik Van Lierde.
“Last year I was impressed with the energy and commitment shown by everyone involved in the junior race from kids to parents,” Alistair Brownlee said. “It’s amazing to see how triathlon is flourishing in theregion and with a lot more participants this year it’s clear that the sport has a bright future here.”
The ADIT will offer three different distances – long, short and sprint courses – for racers of all abilities. The short and sprint distances also offer the option of relay entry, allowing groups of colleagues, families and friends to tackle the event together.
For the main event, triathletes start with a swim in the azure waters off Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, continue with a cycling stage across to Saadiyat and Yas islands, and conclude with a gruelling run past the Marina Mall breakwater.
This year, it features first-time entries from as far afield as Algeria, China, Ethiopia, Iceland, Norway, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine and Vietnam.
For those wanting to cheer on the competitors, there will be a fan village on the Corniche East Plaza which will also offer activities, giveaways and prize-winning opportunities.
