More than 260 international athletes have signed up for Abu Dhabi’s first triathlon, according to the organisers of the event.
Athletes from 25 countries have so far confirmed their attendance at the first ever Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADITand the organisers are aiming to attract up to 1,000 triathletes, including the world’s top 50.
The race has a prize fund of $115,000, the top three prizes are $50,000, $20,000 and $15,000 and competitors from Australasia, Europe, USA, Africa and Asia have so far signed up to compete.
“We are highly encouraged by the tremendous interest from both amateur and professional athletes,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, head of the Major Events Division at Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which is hosting the competition.
The ADIT will have two unique challenges, a 223km ‘pure power’ course and a second 111.5km route, which can be run as a team relay event. Both distances are open to elites and amateurs.
Around 1,000 places are available for the inaugural ADIT, charged at $180 and $123 for the long and short distances respectively.
The event takes place on March 13.
