ITU Triathlon Abu Dhabi 'selling out fast'
ABU DHABI, February 10, 2016
ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi's organiser have forecast a sold-out event with more than 1,200 athletes already signed up for the challenge, which returns to the shores and roads of the UAE capital next month.
With just over two weeks left before online entries close on February 26, host partner Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) said the field is more than 60 per cent complete with demand for Olympic distance competition slots running particularly high.
Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, director of marketing and communications, ADSC, said: “Nearly half the committed entrants - representing some 65 different nationalities - have chosen to test themselves against the same distance as the World Triathlon Series elite stars.
“Add to that the phenomenal interest shown in our other Sprint and Maxi categories and we are left with only 600 places across all three distances, so interested athletes need to sign up fast.”
The event will feature the best amateurs from across the region and the toughest world triathlon professionals who will battle for opening round points in the ITU World Triathlon Series to kick start their Olympic preparation season.
Gary Marescia, race director, said: “This year’s event is particularly important for the world’s top triathletes as it marks the start of an Olympic season and is one of only three WTS events where Olympic qualifying points are on offer. Consequently, we could see a number of elites make their national qualifying mark for Rio here in Abu Dhabi.
“This will be a once-in-a lifetime experience for Age Group athletes who will compete on the same course as our stellar line-up of World Champions and Olympic medallists, many of whom will be heading to Rio this August.”
The Age Group races cater for all fitness levels by offering the following course options: Sprint (500m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run), Olympic (1500m swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) and Maxi (1500m swim, 80km cycle, 20km run).
The participants can enter any of these distances as an individual or as a team of friends, families or corporate colleagues.
Meanwhile, the event will also see the return of the World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Junior Triathlon and Aquathlon - a fun event aimed at encouraging youngsters to get active.
There are three entry categories: ‘Tiny Triathlete’ - a 50m swim and a 100m run (five to eight years), ‘Junior Aquathlon’ distance featuring a 200m swim and 1.5km run (nine to 15 years) , and ‘Junior Triathlon Super Sprint’ which consists of a 375m swim, 10km cycle and a 2.5km run (11 to 17 years). - TradeArabia News Service
