Dubai’s newest sporting event, the Dubai Desert Triathlon, has generated significant interest and excitement within the triathlon and endurance horse riding communities with over 120 teams entered for the inaugural event, organisers announced today.
The Dubai Sports Council has partnered with Meydan to develop an innovative event which combines the traditional heritage Emirati sport of endurance horse racing with the triathlon disciplines of running and cycling.
Organisers are delighted with the response received, not only locally but also internationally with registrations far exceeding expectations.
We are very pleased with the response we have had from the triathletes and endurance riders. It is clear that they are excited and enthusiastic to be part of something which may well be a world first. This event showcases not only the strength of these sports in Dubai and the region, but also the creativity and innovation which has become Dubai’s international trademark.
said Nasser Al Rahmah, Director of Sports Events Department at Dubai Sports Council.
The event, which will take place on Saturday April 19th at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC), has attracted competitors from across the region and internationally, with several entrants aiming to complete the full triathlon, as they are registered endurance riders as well as cyclists and runners. Competitors who are not registered riders can participate as either runners or cyclists (or both) and have been matched with a rider to complete their team.
The event will kick off at 6am with an endurance horse ride of a 40km loop, followed by a 25km cycling stage on the Dubai Cycle Path, then a 5km desert run through the spectacular desert and finishing in the Dubai International Endurance City. Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) is located 40 minutes drive from Dubai next to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa.
Athletes will be competing for honours in the categories of fastest overall individual triathlete, fastest team, fastest cyclist, fastest runner and best conditioned horse in the male, female and junior sections.
DIEC will also be transformed into a triathlon village for the day, with activities for children including a circus workshop, face painting and balloon art, and entertainment for all the family on the lawns by jugglers, stilt walkers, acrobats and unicyclists. A delicious Bab Al Shams breakfast buffet will also be available for only 50dhs in the elegant Dubai International Endurance City centre. The village will be established close to the transition and finish area so spectators will catch all the action and watch triathlon history in the making as the individual triathletes and teams vie for the honour of winning the inaugural event.
The Dubai Desert Triathlon is held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council.
For more information: Sarah Marks, Promoseven Sports Marketing
Email: sarah.marks@promoseven.com O: +971 4 321 0008 M: +971 554521968
About Dubai Sports Council
Dubai Sports Council was founded on 30 November 2005 with the aim of developing and improving sports in Dubai. The current Chairman is H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
Dubai Sports Council aims to create a comprehensive sports environment that meets the requirements of society and paves the way for the youth to cultivate their sporting and cultural talents and aptitudes in a way that leads them to achieve tangible results so that Dubai can become a leading name in the world of sports.
Dubai Sports Council provides many e-Services including e-Job, volunteer applications and rules of organizing sports events in the Emirate of Dubai.
Contact Information:
P.O. Box: 9888 Dubai, UAE Telephone: 00971 (0)4 324 4446
For further information, please visit the website of Dubai Sports Council on www.dubaisportscouncil.ae
About Meydan Group
Meydan is the visionary concept of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It is the culmination of this vision to create not just the ultimate venue for horseracing, but also an integrated city that is sustainable, environmentally responsible and also one that positions Dubai at the centre of the competitive global business stage.
Meydan Group features the prestigious Meydan Racecourse, home to the Dubai World Cup and 5 months of thoroughbred horse racing. The Meydan Hotel, a five-star destination for leisure and business travel, is complemented by premium leisure and sporting attractions The Track Meydan Golf, the Meydan Tennis Academy and Meydan IMAX theatre. A series of state-of-the-art business parks, residential villa communities, schools, hospitals and business towers will intermingle with luxury waterfront developments and shopping destinations featuring a Signature Mall. The Meydan Group portfolio also includes Meydan Beach, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Emirates Equestrian Centre and Dubai Equestrian Club with endurance, dressage and show jumping championships.
www.meydan.ae