Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed visits Sir Bani Yas Challenge 2026
ABU DHABI, 31st January, 2017 (WAM) – Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the activities of the second session of the “Sir Bani Yas Challenge”, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and is considered the first long-distance triathlon race in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the largest in the “Challenge Family” race series, which is organized in 28 countries in Various parts of the world.
Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan was accompanied during the tour by Sheikh Khalifa bin Saeed bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, His Excellency Nasser Muhammad Matar Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Court of the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group, along with a number of senior officials in the Al Dhafra region.
Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed was briefed on the most prominent races and challenges accompanying the event, in which an elite group of internationally ranked triathletes participate. He also toured the race village, the main center of the event, which provides a variety of activities and entertainment options intended for participants and families of different age groups.
The challenge is organized by the ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Challenge Family, and with the support of the ADNOC Group. The Sir Bani Yas Challenge continues its role in consolidating the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination for endurance sports, based on the highest standards of international organization, an exceptional natural environment, and a growing community of professional and amateur athletes alike.
The challenge also contributes to introducing the unique tourism potential of the Al Dhafra region and Sir Bani Yas Island, and consolidating the position of the emirate and the region as leading destinations in sports tourism at the regional and international levels, in addition to its role in encouraging the community to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
The event brings together more than 100 professional athletes from 26 countries, in addition to 4,813 competitors and participants in various age groups from 93 countries, competing in long-distance, middle-distance and Olympic triathlon races, in addition to a group of diverse community races that are held over two event-filled days.
The full-distance triathlon includes comprehensive physical challenges, including swimming for 3.8 km, followed by a cycling race for 172 km, and then running for 42.2 km.
The middle distance race includes swimming a distance of 1.9 km, cycling a distance of 82 km, and running a distance of 21.1 km, while the Olympic distance race consists of swimming a distance of 1.5 km, cycling a distance of 36 km, and running a distance of 10 km.
In addition to competitive races, the event offers a wide range of community races designed to suit different ages and fitness levels, ensuring a comprehensive and distinctive sports experience for families and new participants in the sport of triathlon, as well as amateur athletes, and provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the atmosphere of competition and the spirit of challenge in the embrace of the picturesque nature of Sir Bani Yas Island.
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