WILD new triathlon race has a cruise ship, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs – for real

Challenge Family have added a new full-distance triathlon to their growing race portfolio, and even we have to admit, it is quite something.

The inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas in Abu Dhabi is set to take place in April 2025, and this will be a race like no other, with race week featuring an all-inclusive cruise ship experience and the opportunity to race on a desert island, home to one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves where Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs roam free.

Long-distance triathlon arrives in the UAE

Set to take place 3-7 April 2025, Challenge Sir Bani Yas will be the first long-distance triathlon (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run) to take place in the UAE. Though fans of the shorter distance will be pleased to know there will also be a middle distance triathlon on offer. The race joins Challenge Taiwan, Challenge Roth and Challenge Almere-Amsterdam in Challenge Family’s long distance race portfolio.

Over 1,300 athletes had already registered their interest in the new race ahead of entries opening – showing the appetite for long distance triathlons, and destination races, is still very much alive.

Exotic wildlife and your very own cruise ship

Challenge Family promise that Challenge Sir Bani Yas will be ‘the most unique triathlon experience in the world.’ Sir Bani Yas Island is one of eight desert islands of Al Dhafra, and the dramatic landscape is home to a spectacular population of wildlife.

Host to one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves, as athletes swim, bike and run around the island they’ll have some pretty unique company. Over 17,000 animals roam free on Sir Bani Yas island – including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Let’s hope those cheetahs aren’t allowed to contend for Strava segments!

Alongside the incredibly unique backdrop, the race logistics themselves are also on a whole new level. Once athletes arrive in Abu Dhabi, they’ll board a specially chartered luxury cruise ship which will be the accommodation for all athletes and their families/support crews.

The ship will moor on the island, and official functions such as the welcome dinner and athlete awards ceremony will take place aboard the boat. And the post-race celebrations will kick off as athletes sail back to Abu Dhabi. The new race will take race-cations to another level, with those on board enjoying all the trimmings of an all-inclusive cruise – with a side of triathlon racing.

A “new standard” for long-distance triathlon

Discussing the launch of the new race, Challenge Family CEO Jort Vlam said: “We love this concept the team at ADNEC Group have developed and can’t think of a better way to bring the triathlon community together in Abu Dhabi for Challenge Sir Bani Yas.

“With the cruise ship initiative, athletes’ family and friends can join in and enjoy this unrivalled experience alongside them, as well as enjoying a host of activities for themselves. Challenge Sir Bani Yas will set a new standard in long course triathlon, both on and off the race course. With over 60 countries already represented in the pre-registrations, we’re very much looking forward to welcoming athletes and their supporters from all over the world to Abu Dhabi.”

Early entries for the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas opened on November 4, find out more here.