Abu Dhabi to host World Triathlon Series in March

The ITU World Triathlon Series will return to Abu Dhabi from March 5-7, 2020, bringing an expected 3,000 participants from 55 countries and 90 different nationalities to tackle the stunning course on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

110 of the world’s best elite triathletes will be competing for precious qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the summer.

And in an exciting new announcement, 2020 will see the introduction of a Para Triathlon World Cup where elite para-athletes will compete for qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Following the success of the hosting the triathlon race of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi last year -- which saw the participation of 22 athletes of determination from 14 countries -- as well as hosting dedicated race waves for amateur para athletes, organizers are continuing their commitment to inclusivity through triathlon.

Amateur triathlon and running enthusiasts will also have the unique chance to race on the same weekend and the same course as their idols, in the ‘age-group’ races.

Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are proud to welcome back the ITU World Triathlon Series to Abu Dhabi for the 6th year, and are looking forward to another thrilling and intense race weekend in March.

“This year, we are excited to include a Para Triathlon World Cup for the first time in the event’s history.

“After the successful integration of the Special Olympic World Games in 2019, this addition to the event schedule shows our continued commitment to creating sports events that are truly open to all.

“We are looking to welcome a range of para-triathletes, both amateur and elite, to participate in Abu Dhabi, alongside welcoming back elite athletes and over 2,500 amateur triathletes.

“2020 marks the 6th year that Abu Dhabi has hosted the prestigious season-opener of the ITU’s global World Triathlon Series, and of course we are looking forward to hosting the ITU Grand Final in 2022 -- the world championship of the sport.

This is yet another example of Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s continued commitment to provide internationally acclaimed sporting events for everyone to enjoy - I urge sports fans across the UAE to join us from March 5-7, 2020 either as a competitor, a volunteer, an official or a spectator.”

The event, which is moving from a 2-day event to a 3-day multi-sport festival on Yas Island, has a variety of races for amateur triathletes to compete in, with participants able to join in Super Sprint, Sprint, and Olympic race categories - either as an individual or as part of a relay team.

With a diversity of course lengths and timings on offer, the event is welcoming to those new to triathlon or seasoned in the sport. Entries into the amateur race are already 38% sold out.

Gary Marescia, Event Director of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is an incredible location for hosting a triathlon of this magnitude, with Yas Island offering something for everyone - from elite athletes to those trying out the sport for the first time.”

“We are working hard to ensure we take the sport to a wide range of audiences, which is why we have introduced duathlon race categories this year - a great first step into the sport for those who might want to get a taste.”