FAQ

When and where will the next event take place?

The 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series season officially starts in Abu Dhabi on 3 – 4 March. Check out the full schedule here.

Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the World Triathlon Championship Series Abu Dhabi will welcome thousands of age group and junior athletes, racing on the same course and the same weekend as the world’s best triathletes who will be going head-to-head for precious Olympic points.

The race will be hosted at Yas Marina Circuit - a world-class triathlon venue. This year, the Athlete Village and Expo will be centered around the F1 pit lanes providing a truly unique experience for all. Check out the route maps here.

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 2 or 3 athletes.

Junior Race Categories:

• Junior Super Sprint (12 – 15 years): 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run
• Junior Super Sprint Team 12 – 15 years): 375m swim | 10km bike |2.5km run
• Kids Duathlon (6 – 9 years): 750m run | 4.5km bike | 750m run
• Kids Duathlon (10 – 11 years): 1km run | 10.5km bike | 750m run

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

What is the event schedule?

You can find the provisional event schedule for the 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series here. Please note that this is subject to change.

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 2 or 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 can have 2 participants where one person can do 2 legs of the event, or include up to 3 participants, each doing 1 discipline.

Do I need a license from UAE Triathlon to race?

• Athletes participating in the Age Group races (Super Sprint/Sprint/Standard distances), excluding the junior/kid’s categories, are required to show a copy of your UAE Triathlon membership and have a choice of purchasing the annual license (AED 250) or a temporary / day license (AED55). 
• Athletes participating in the Junior or Kids categories do not require a license.

Register here for a one year license (AED250):

Register here for a temporary license (AED55):

To complete the registration process, please send a copy of the UAE Triathlon membership to this WhatsApp +971502538686, or click on this link.

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 released by 26 February. Additional information will be available on the event website.

When and where can I collect my Race Pack?

Race Pack Collection will take place on Thursday 2 March and Friday 3 March at the event venue. Details around Race Pack Collection will be included in your Athlete´s Guide.

What is your policy on refunds?

Refunds are possible up to 30 days prior to race day, after this no refunds are possible.

Can I change my race category?

A change in category is possible up to 23:59 on Wednesday 15 February 2023. . 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.

What is the COVID-19 Protocol?

Abu Dhabi remains to be a safe awe-inspiring and culturally rich destination. We are now open to all vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers and ready to welcome you as the UAE lifted all restrictions and precautionary measurements.

PCR Testing Facilities

If you require a PCR test for travel purposes, Yas Mall is the closest testing facility. A short taxi ride from the event hotels will cost in the region of AED 12 - 15. Ask the taxi to drop you at the Carrefour Supermarket entrance.

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 are ideal for racing. The average monthly temperature in Abu Dhabi in March is 23°C. The daytime averages will climb up to 29°C and the nights cool down to 17°C.

Am I allowed to Transfer / Substitute an entry?

Community Races: 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 30 days prior to the event. 

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

Yes, there will be start waves for all races.  

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 / 2.3km 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 2023 race on a first come first served basis. Please contact one of the following partner stores for availability:

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

Water quality test results:

• Last Sample Date: 1/11/2022
• Enterococcus CFU/100ml = 28
• E-Coli CFU/100ml = 34

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.