Think you can take on an Olympian?

Abu Dhabi residents can sign up to enter the first leg of the 2017 ITU World Triathlon, happening right here in the capital city, and try to take on the pros while they’re at it.

On March 3 and 4, 2017, elite athletes, amateurs and novices will compete in the season opener for the ITU World Triathlon on Yas Island.

Since it’s launch in 2015, the race has drawn some big names including Olympic medalists Gwen Jorgensen, Nicola Spirig-Hug, Jonathan Brownlee and Henri Schoeman. So expect some serious talent at next year’s event.

Moving from the Abu Dhabi Corniche to Yas Island, the new venue will allow for 800 more participants this time round. In addition to that, the race will be held over two days as well. “For 2017 we’ve expanded the event to two days – this coupled with our new venue means we have the capacity to welcome over 3,000 amateur athletes across Sprint, Olympic and Maxi distances and our junior triathlons,” added Gary Marescia, Event Director of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.

The race features three different lengths including the Sprint (750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run), Olympic (1,500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run) and Maxi (1,500m swim, 80km cycle and 20km run). For youngsters looking to compete, the race will again host a junior triathlon with four different entry levels for children aged five to fifteen years.

Early bird entry tickets for the two-day triathlon on Yas Island are available online. Spots start from Dhs405 and up. For more information or to sign up visit: AbuDhabi.Triathlon.org