50 days to Dubai T100: Moves to Al Mamzar, new Olympic distance and an all-female pro race

Dubai’s triathlon weekend, also known as the T100, is just 50 days away and bringing some exciting changes to the city. The event will take place from November 13 to 15 at Al Mamzar beach, moving from Meydan Racecourse. Over 2,000 athletes from 57 nations have already signed up, with more than a third returning from previous editions. Spectators can watch the races for free.

One of the biggest changes this year is the addition of an Olympic distance triathlon, which includes a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. This is the first time this distance has been featured in Dubai. Relay options have also been introduced for both Olympic and Sprint distances, allowing friends and colleagues to participate together. Alongside these events, there will be the traditional Sprint race (750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run) and the signature 100km triathlon (2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run).

Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organisation, explained that the goal is to make the event more accessible to a wider range of participants. With the new Olympic distance and relay options, there’s never been a better time to get involved, regardless of your level of experience.

This year’s Dubai T100 also marks the first all-female professional race in the series. The event follows a revision to the T100 competition format, where male and female professionals race in four individual T100 weekends before competing together at the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in December. Twenty of the world’s top professional women will compete in Dubai.

Organizers hope this will inspire more Emirati women to take part in sports. The 50-day countdown coincides with Emirati Women’s Month, encouraging more Emirati women to enter the race.

The new coastal location offers a unique course. The bike leg takes participants through Al Hamriya Port and Dubai Islands, past landmarks such as the Infinity Bridge, Port Rashid, the Queen Elizabeth 2, the Dubai Frame, and the Burj Khalifa before returning to Al Mamzar. The run follows shaded paths in Al Mamzar Park and its newly opened footpath along the corniche.

The race will be broadcast to over 195 territories through a partnership with Warner Bros Discovery, including beIN Sports across the Middle East. The T100 is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a city-wide initiative running from October 31 to November 29, encouraging residents to commit to 30 minutes of activity for 30 days. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, emphasized that the event has become a staple on Dubai’s calendar and showcases the city’s fitness culture.