Spectators can catch athletes from across the world swim, cycle and run in this week’s Dubai International Triathlon, the first half iron distance triathlon to be held in the region.
Taking place on Friday at the Atlantis Resort on The Palm, the event will feature a 1.9 kilometre swim followed by a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.
The swim will be in the waters off the Atlantis Resort, while the three-lap bike ride starts at The Palm and heads to Hessa Street towards Sports City before returning to Atlantis.
Finally, the two-lap run concludes the triathlon at the crescent of The Palm.
More than 1,000 competitors will be taking part, representing 63 nationalities, led by two-time World Ironman Champion Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack.
The Gulf is also well represented with 20 UAE Nationals and a 26-person Bahraini team, including His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“We knew that a race of this distance would be a popular event but we didn’t expect to attract 1,000 athletes, never mind one of the biggest stars the sport has ever had in Chris McCormack,” said Paul Venn of Race ME.
“It shows how much interest there is in triathlon in the region and how popular Dubai is as a host city.
"We expect perfect weather conditions and have a great, fast course so it promises to be a stand out race.”
The Dubai International Triathlon comes on the heels of the Dubai Desert Triathlon, which was held in April earlier this year in the world’s first ever event combining triathlon disciplines of cycling and running with the traditional Emirati heritage sport of endurance horse racing.
The Dubai Sports Council, together with race organisers Race ME, are confident in another resounding success to promote the sport of triathlon on both a local and international level.
“One of our roles as the Sports Council is to promote Dubai as global sporting destination,” explained Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, general secretary of Dubai Sports Council.
“Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the world so it makes tremendous sense to stage an international race.
"We would want to encourage young UAE Nationals to get active and races like this one provide the perfect opportunity for them to aspire to compete in.”
