Abu Dhabi: More than 260 athletes from 25 countries have signed up for the inaugural $250,000 (Dh915,799) Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT) to be held this March — within just a month of the event launch.
Aimed at attracting up to 1,000 triathletes, including the world's top 50, the ADIT has already secured competitors from Australasia, Europe, the Middle East, Americas, North Africa, the Far East, Russia and Africa — a clear indication of ADIT's global appeal.
Landmark
"We are highly encouraged by the tremendous interest from both amateur and professional athletes. The event, on March 13, will be a landmark on the international triathlon calendar. It will unite triathletes from around the world in one of the most exciting destinations imaginable," said Faisal Al Shaikh, Head-Major Events Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
Primed to be an "instant classic", the adrenaline-pumping ADIT will boast two unique lengths, a testing 223 km "pure power" course and a second 111.5 km route, which can be run as a team relay event. Both distances are open to elites and amateurs, a key facet in the event's broad appeal.
Some 1,000 places are available for the inaugural ADIT. For further information go to www.abudhabitriathlon.com
