A record 2,500 age group participants from 52 countries raced in the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi on the same course as World Champions and Olympic medallists this weekend at Yas Island.

With a 39% percent field increase since the event launched in 2015, this year’s event – hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council – saw thousands take part.

The event featured three distances to suit people of all experience levels – Sprint, Olympic and Maxi – as well as junior races for children aged 5 years and up.

An eclectic mix of participants turned out with nationalities ranging from Thailand, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Philippines, Germany, Egypt, Russia, Romania, USA, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Bahrain, Turkey, Switzerland, Netherlands, Indonesia to Cyprus and more.

One of the fastest Emirati triathletes on the course was Faisal Bin Hajar, part of a six man team representing Abu Dhabi Police at the race.

“The feeling you get when you cross the finish line is indescribable,” he said. “I’ve been doing triathlon for a year and I am immensely enjoying the multi-sport discipline.”