More than 100 children will swamp the iconic Emirates Palace on Friday, May 1 to take part in the Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon and you can join them with registration still open.

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Already 150 have signed up for the event and with it being the last race of the season, organisers, Gulf Multi Sport, are expecting that number to increase.

And it is no surprise either given that the swim-run events have flourished in the UAE.

The series is just one of many events in the country that attracts huge numbers and the Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon is no different.

Since launching in October 2014, which saw over 100 children take part, the Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon has been a major success with promising youths testing themselves in the capital.

Representing themselves individually or for their school, children aged between four and 19 can take part in three different categories.

The Junior Competitive race, which has five age groups (8-19), consists of a 200m swim followed by a 1.5km run.

Those aged between 8-14 can also take part in the ‘Splash and Dash’ where they will swim 100m and run for 750m.

Additionally, the ‘Tiny Tri’ category will see 4-10 year olds compete in the 50m swim before a 100m run to the finish line.

Individual prizes will be up for grabs, while awards will also be given for the best school performance and overall highest participation.

While previous editions have seen some thrilling races, Rachael Hughes, executive director of Gulf Multi Sport and head of Abu Dhabi Tri Kid, predicts next weekend’s event will be a huge success.

She said: “The number of entries so far has been very encouraging especially as it’s the last race of the season.

And for the first time this series schools from Dubai and Al Ain will be competing, which is great to see.

“Given the feedback from parents, we have introduced the Tri Kids category to the schedule in order to introduce even more children to aquathlon.”

Entry varies between Dh50 to Dh85 according to category, which also includes a medal and chip timing device.

And Hughes insists it’s something the kids will enjoy thoroughly.

She said: “The feedback has been absolutely great ever since the first event we held in October.

"There will be more participants than ever before, and children will have a great time.

“Whether you finish first or last, participation is what counts and everyone will receive a medal when they finish the race. Overall it will be a fun aquathlon to take part in.”

What: Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon
Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, May 1, from 07:00
Contact: Register on www.premieronline.com before Wednesday, April 29.