New Race Format Launched in the Dubai Desert Triathlon

The Dubai Sports Council has just launched the inaugural Dubai Desert Triathlon in what is likely the first of its kind in the world. The unique format features running, cycling and an endurance horse ride.  The event will take place April 19 at 6:00 a.m. at the Dubai International Endurance City (a forty minute drive from Dubai).

Nasser Al Rahmah, director of Sports Events Department at Dubai Sports Council, said Monday “The Dubai Desert Triathlon is an innovative concept that combines endurance riding, the heritage sport of Dubai, with cycling and off road running. This is a new concept that will grow and become a popular event in the Middle East and beyond. It is another important step in the development of sport in Dubai.”

The event starts with a 25 km horse ride, followed by a 25 km bike ride on the Dubai Cycle Path and a 5km desert run finishing in the Dubai Endurance City. Entry is open to anyone interested in participating in any or all of the three disciplines, as an individual triathlete or as a member of a team, provided that horse riders are registered endurance riders with a horse.

Prizes will be awarded to the fastest team, fastest cyclist, fastest runner and best conditioned horse in the categories of male, female and juniors. In addition, there will be prizes for the fastest triathlete who competes in all three disciplines, also in the categories of male, female and juniors, but to be eligible for this the person must be a fully licensed rider with a horse.

Entries are limited based on the number of licensed horses available and registration will open on March 11 at www.dubaideserttriathalon.com.