19 Race Categories, including Duathlon Races, announced for ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi

The organisers of ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi presented by Daman are introducing ‘duathlon’ race categories for the 2020 edition of the race, for people who are looking for an introduction to multi-sport competition. Sports lovers in the UAE and from around the world will have the chance to hit the cycling and running track, without swimming, offering a great introduction to multi-sport racing for those who always have wanted to give it a go.

The announcement came as Abu Dhabi Sports Council hosted a ‘virtual triathlon’ activation at Yas Mall on Saturday 25 January to encourage the local community to give the sport a ‘tri’.  Hundreds of participants, from tiny tots up to adults, challenged themselves to the virtual triathlon – a fantastic first step to joining the main event which will take place from 5 – 7 March 2020 and welcome 3,000 amateur and elite athletes to Yas Island.

Speaking on the addition of the duathlon to the event schedule, Suhail AlAreefi, Events Director at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, commented: “We know that there are many keen, would-be triathletes out there who find the swimming leg of a triathlon daunting. Adding the duathlon race categories this March is the perfect way to engage those people who feel comfy getting on a bike and pulling on a pair of trainers, but not jumping into the open water.”

Two duathlon races will be held for ‘age group’ adults. The Olympic will see a 10km run, followed by a 40km cycle, and finishing with a 5km run. The Sprint duathlon will comprise of a 5km run, a 20km cycle, and a final 5km run, with two transition phases to negotiate from track to bike, and then back from bike to track. Both categories are open to individual athletes, or those forming a ‘relay team of 2 or 3 friends. Organizers have 500 places available for those looking to sign up. In addition, there are duathlon race categories for the little ones, aged 7 – 15 years old.

Continuing, AlAreefi said: “As is always the case, the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi presented by Daman is not only focussed on bringing a world-class field of elite athletes to kick off their global season in Abu Dhabi. We are equally as focussed on creating a platform that allows the local community to get fit and active. Seeing people give triathlon and duathlon a try at Yas Mall today demonstrates how keen people in the UAE are to get involved in sports event, and I can’t wait to see them and their families down on Yas Island from 5 – 7 March 2020. With Abu Dhabi winning the hosting rights for the ITU Grand Final in 2022, the time is now to get involved in this wonderful sport!”

The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi presented by Daman will run from 5 – 7 March 2020. Click here to enter the race.