Abu Dhabi (Al Ittihad)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, ADNEC Group has announced the organisation of the inaugural Sir Bani Yas Challenge Triathlon, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region for international full-distance races, in early 2025.
The challenge, which is scheduled to be held annually, is organised by ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and in partnership with the World Family Challenge Race, which is held in more than 27 countries, and includes 35 races, with the participation of more than 75,000 athletes.
The first round of the Sir Bani Yas Challenge is expected to witness the participation of more than 2,800 competitors, in addition to more than 1,500 local and international visitors. The challenge includes swimming races for a distance of 3.8 km, cycling for a distance of 180 km, and running for a distance of 42.2 km, which will be held over 17 hours for its various stages.
It is accompanied by the organization of a half-distance triathlon race, which begins with a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21.2 km run, in addition to a number of community, sports and tourism activities for participants and visitors.
Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are pleased to cooperate with ADNEC Group to provide technical and logistical support for the first edition of the Sir Bani Yas Triathlon, and to organize it in a manner befitting the reputation and status of the emirate at the regional and international levels.”
“Organising the Sir Bani Yas full-distance triathlon for the first time in the Middle East reflects Abu Dhabi’s ability to host large-scale international sporting events and supports our vision to make Abu Dhabi a global sports capital, in line with the Council’s strategic objectives of providing a world-class experience for all participants and followers, encouraging everyone to practice sports and making it a lifestyle,” Al Awani said.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The launch of this race falls within ADNEC Group’s strategy to create and attract major global events in a number of vital sectors, in line with the vision of the wise leadership to confirm the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the capital of the specialized events sector in the region.”
He added: “ADNEC Group has a comprehensive vision and action plan to make the challenge a success, making it the leading international race to attract athletes and visitors from all over the world,” indicating that Bani Yas Island was chosen due to its advanced tourism and infrastructure capabilities, and its distinguished location that qualifies it to host this event with remarkable success, and present it to the world in the best possible way.
Al Dhaheri revealed that these races aim to promote the tourism potential of Sir Bani Yas Island and increase the number of sporting events in the Al Dhafra region, which contributes to enhancing direct and indirect economic contributions to the region. They also work to increase the rate of hotel occupancy and reservations on the island, and support the sustainable growth of small and medium enterprises in various sectors.
He pointed out the importance of ADNEC Group’s cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to organize and host the triathlon in Sir Bani Yas, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s status as an exceptional sports tourism destination that attracts the most prominent sports competitions with the participation of international athletes.
“Athletes from around the world will be able to enjoy a complete experience on the unique and exceptional Sir Bani Yas Island, which is an ideal place to host triathlon enthusiasts and players, as the organizers and hosts provide everything necessary for competitors and their families, according to unparalleled Middle Eastern hospitality standards,” said Gort Flam, CEO of the International Family Triathlon.
“Ten years ago we hosted a half triathlon in the region and now we are excited to return to the UAE with the first long-distance race to be held in the region, and we look forward to working with our partners at ADNEC Group to organize the most popular triathlon in the world,” he added.
The Sir Bani Yas Triathlon Challenge, which lasts for several days, includes a large number of family, community, tourism and entertainment activities and programs that meet the needs of all ages of visitors, including horse riding within the island’s nature reserve, wicker and swimming activities, and kayaking in the beautiful waters of the Al Dhafra region.
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