Registration almost full for Dubai International Triathlon

Denzil Pinto 06:45 06/10/2014
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  • Saddle up: Dubai International Triathlon organisers say the response has been incredible.

    Organisers are advising people to register now to avoid disappointment as places are filling fast for next month’s Dubai International Triathlon.

    The half-iron distance race, to be held on Friday, November 7, and backed by Dubai Sports Council, will feature a 1.9km swim followed by 90km bike then a 21.1km run.

    The swim takes place in the calm, flat waters off the Atlantis Resort, while the two-lap cycle heads off The Palm onto Hessa Street before returning to the Atlantis.

    Completing the race is a two-lap run on the crescent of The Palm with the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Atlantis Resort.

    Around 900 entrants have already confirmed their interest for the inaugural event and, with a growing interest, organisers Race ME could close registration if the number reaches 1,000.

    “The response has been incredible, to the point where we are looking at closing registration early as we get close to 1,000 participants, which just highlights the growth in popularity of the sport in the region,” said Paul Venn, of Race ME.

    Among the confirmed entrants are Chris McCormack (two-time winner of the Ironman World Championship) and ex-U23 world duathlon champion Till Schramm.

    You can join them by doing all three disciplines individually or just one category (swim, bike or run) in the team category.

    Triathlons in the UAE have been growing rapidly with previous Race ME events drawing hundreds of competitors of different ages and abilities during the season.

    Venn hopes more people can take part in Dubai and make it another popular event: “We have lots of people trying this distance for the first time, people racing their first triathlon and more than 80 teams signed up.

    “My advice to people who still want to enter would depend on whether they had raced a triathlon before. If they think they can achieve the distances then sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

    “If this would be their first triathlon, my advice would be to find one or two other people to form a team with because it is a challenging race distance but promises to be one of the best triathlons the region has seen.

    “This will be the first time a half iron distance race has been held in Dubai and, with 900 people already signed up, it promises to be the biggest race ever held in the Emirate. “We like to think the race will go on to become one of the top 10 races that people all over the world want to enter, at least once in their lifetime, and this is a great chance to be involved right at the beginning,” added Venn.

    Entry fees are Dh850 for individuals while teams cost Dh1,050. Registration can be completed by visiting www.premieronline.com or www.dubai-tri.com.

    What: Dubai International Triathlon
    Where: Atlantis Resort, The Palm, Dubai
    When: Friday, November 7
    Contact: For more information or to register visit www.premieronline.com or www.dubai-tri.com.

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