FAQ

When and where will the next event take place?

The next edition of the World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi – will take place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February, 2025.

Event Dates: 15 and 16 February 2025

Event Venue: 321 Sports, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi  

Official Hotel: Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Abu Dhabi

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team at info@wts-abudhabi.com

 

Are there any Early Bird or Launch Special Offers?

Absolutely - The Launch Special Offer of Buy One Get One Free has ended, however we are still running an early bird discount of 20% off all categories until the end of January (closing 23h59min on 31 January 2025) 

 

What are the race categories, and how much are they to enter?

Our age group and junior race categories make this event accessible for athletes of all ages and abilities – from first-timers looking for a new challenge, to seasoned athletes racing for a spot on the podium. Whatever your goal – get ready to Be Your Extraordinary in Abu Dhabi!

Age Group Race Categories:

  • Standard: 1.5km swim | 40km bike | 10km run
  • Sprint: 750m swim | 20km bike | 5km run
  • Super Sprint: 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run

All options can be raced as an individual or as part of a relay team of 3 athletes.

Junior Race Categories:

  • Junior Super Sprint (12 – 15 years): 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run
  • Kids Triathlon (9 - 11 years): 260m swim | 4.1km bike | 1.35km run
  • Athletes of Determination (16+ years): 260m swim | 4.1km bike | 1.35km run

Community Races (Single Discipline events):

  • Community Cycle (12+ years): 10km bike
  • Community Cycle (14+ years): 30km bike
  • Community Run 2.5km (5+ years): 2.5km run/walk
  • Community Run 5km (8+ years): 5km run/walk

To enter the age group, junior and community races, please click here.

 

 

Can I enter the age group races as part of a team?

Yes - the age group triathlon race options can be completed as an individual or as a team relay of 3 athletes. The relay allows each participant to complete the discipline they are most comfortable with and makes triathlon very manageable for first-timers. It gives new triathletes a great introduction to the wonderful sport and the chance to enjoy participating with family and friends.

A team consists of 3 participants, each doing 1 discipline.

 

Do I need a license from UAE Triathlon to race?

  • No, you do not require a UAE Triathlon License in order to compete in the Age Group, Junior and Kids events in 2025.
  • Athletes still have the option to take out a UAE Triathlon membership for an annual license (AED 250) which carried various benefits. 

Register here for a one year license (AED250):

 

Where can I find information about my race - is there an Athlete Guide?

Yes, all the information you need to know about your race will be included in your Athlete´s Guide which will be shared a week before the event with all registered athletes and will also be available on our website under Athlete Guides - here. 

 

When and where can I collect my Race Pack?

Race Pack Collection will take place on Friday 14 February from 12:00 - 19:00 and Saturday 15 February from 08:00 - 19:00 at the event venue. Details around Race Pack Collection will be included in your Athlete´s Guide - please check the opening times as these may change.


What is your policy on refunds?

Refunds are possible up to 30 days prior to race day, after this no refunds are possible. Please note that there is a AED 30 administration fee for any refunds issued.

 

Can I change my race category?

Category changes will be facilitated up to 23:59 on Thursday 6 February 2025.  Thereafter no category changes will be possible. If you are upgrading to a longer distance within the allowed period, you will need to pay the difference in entry fees. If you are downgrading to a shorter distance, you will not receive a refund for the difference in entry fees.

 

Am I allowed to Transfer / Substitute an entry?

This event does not allow individual athletes to transfer or substitute their individual entry from one athlete to another. This event allows substitutions in the Team categories up to 23:59 on Thursday 6 February 2025. Thereafter no further substetuttions will be possible.

 

Do I need to sign an event disclaimer?

Age Group Races: Yes, every individual and every team member entering online for the Age Group races will agree to the event disclaimer. Those signing up in person, either pre-event or those signing up during event week in the Athletes Village if allowed, must sign a physical disclaimer form. All team members must be at registration to collect race packs. Identification will need to be produced at registration for entry verification.

 

What are the temperatures expected over race weekend.

The temperatures during race week will be warm. The average water temperature in Abu Dhabi in February is 24°C. The daytime averages will climb up to 26°C and drop as low as 15°C in the evenings.

 

Will there be start waves, and how will these be determined?

Yes, there will be start waves for all races based on age and gender.  

 

Can I start in another start wave?

If you start before your allocated start wave, you will be disqualified. If you start after your allocated start wave, the time starts from your original assigned wave. No starts between waves are allowed. 

 

Drafting, when will this be allowed, and when not?

All Age Group Races (including kids and junior) are draft illegal.

 

 

Is there a cut off time?

There are cut off times from the start of each race for the swim only, then there is an overall course cut-off times which will be communicated.

Super Sprint triathlon distance: 400m swim / 10km bike / 2.5km run:

  • Cut off: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Swim cut off: 20 minutes

 

Sprint distance: 750m swim / 20km bike / 5km run:

  • Cut off: 2 hours 30 mins
  • Swim cut off: 30 minutes

 

Standard triathlon distance: 1500m swim / 40km bike / 10km run:

  • Cut off: 4.30 hours
  • Swim cut off: 60 minutes

If you are unable to complete your race within the allocated time frame, you will be asked to leave the course and your result will be listed as DNF (Did Not Finish).

 

Will the age groupers receive splits for the separate legs swim/bike/run?

Age groupers will receive time splits. There will be a timing mat at the entrance and exit of transition and at the race finish. There will be additional timing to record cycle and run laps as well.

 

Will there be aid stations on course?

There will be hydration aid stations along the bike and run course. There will be NO aid stations on the cycle course. 

 

What kind of bikes can be used for the race?

Road Bikes, Mountain Bikes, and Hybrid Bikes will be allowed for the triathlon races. Time Trial (TT) Bikes will depend on the drafting rule adopted following the launch of the routes.

If you want to purchase or rent equipment for the World Triathlon Championship Series, our partners would be more than happy to help you. Email info@wts-abudhabi.com for more details.

 

Handlebars and wheels specifications:

Wheels:          

  • Wheels must have at least 12 spokes.
  • Covers are allowed on the rear wheel. However, this provision may be changed by the Technical Delegate in the interest of safety, i.e. high-winds.

Handlebars:  

  • Only handlebars and clip-on bars not extending beyond the leading edge of the front wheel will be permitted.
  • Two-piece clip-on bars do not need to be bridged.
  • All tube ends must be plugged.

 

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, bike rental will be available for the 2025 race on a first come first served basis. Please contact our bike partner Wolfi’s for availability:

  • Email: Rental-hud@wolfis.ae
  • Contact number: 800965347
  • Website: www.wolfis.ae

 

What is deemed to be illegal equipment in this event?

Illegal equipment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Headphone(s) or headset(s)
  • Glass containers
  • Mobile phone(s) or any other electronic listening communication device
  • Cameras and GoPro’s or similar

 

I haven't done a triathlon before - can I sign up for the age group races?

With some training and guidance, anyone can do a triathlon. World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is designed to be a mass participation event with distances catering to novice and experienced triathletes.

We have specifically introduced a Super Sprint category to make the event more accessible to ‘newbies’. To complete the Super Sprint you need to be able to swim 15 lengths of a 25m pool, be able to cycle for 20-30 minutes and then run 15-20 minutes. You can also enter the event as part of a team and choose one or two of the disciplines, depending on your team size (min 2- max 3).

  

Are there Partner Packages Available?

Yes. If your brand would like to be associated with the pinnacle of World Triathlon, we have several packages available from exhibitors to sponsors. Contact info@wts-abudhabi.com and a member of the team will be in touch.