The Dubai International Triathlon, the first half iron distance triathlon to be held in Dubai, will be held at the Atlantis Resort on The Palm, Jumeirah on November 7. A 1.9km swim followed by 90km cycling and a 21.1km run, the half iron distance race is backed by the Dubai Sports Council and organised by Race ME.
More than 800 triathletes from all over the world are expected to race in the debut year with a target of in excess of 2,000 within two years. “Dubai provides the perfect backdrop for a half iron distance race,” commented Paul Venn, Partner, Race ME.
“We have perfect weather conditions, a great, fast course and a host city that people all over the world want to visit. This is an event that will very quickly feature in everyone’s top 10 races.”
The swim will take place in the flat waters off the Atlantis Resort while the two-lap cycle will head off The Palm onto Hessa Street towards Sports City before returning to Atlantis.
The race will conclude with another two-lap run entirely on the crescent of The Palm with the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Atlantis Resort providing a perfect backdrop to the course.
The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) is working in coordination with organisers Race ME to help launch the Dubai International Triathlon.
This follows their highly-successful Desert Triathlon held earlier this year that witnessed athletes combine running, cycling and horse riding in a world first.
“One of our roles as the sports council is to promote Dubai as a global sporting destination,” explained Dr Ahmad Sa’ad Al Sharif, General Secretary, DSC.
“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,” he added.
Registration for the Dubai International Triathlon is open to individuals in male and female age group categories and teams of three athletes. This can be done at www.dubai-tri.com before the October 31 deadline.