Over 6,000 fans are expected on Abu Dhabi Corniche this Saturday for a day of unrivalledfamily entertainment to mark the third annual Abu Dhabi International Triathlon and there’s a host of exclusive prizes to be won.

Event organiser, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, has set up a dedicated free-to-attend Race Village onthe CornicheEast Plaza to accommodate the throngs of spectators expected to turn out this weekend to cheer on theevent’s record breaking 1,855 athletes from 62 countries.

Packed full of entertainment, games, competitions and performers, the village will be a bustling hubbub of exciting spectator activities for children and adults alike.

“To give everyone a chance to share in one of Abu Dhabi’s major winter sporting highlights we have created the ultimate day of family entertainment for athletes and fans of all ages,” saidFaisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. “The Race Village will have the best spectator spots, thrilling interactive games and activities, as well as a variety of family entertainment including Ayala dancers, fire breathers, jugglers and stilt walkers.

“It’ll be a great day out and we hope to see thousands of fans cheering on their heroes, it’s a tough race so they need all the encouragement they can get!”

Kicking off two hours after the first athletes enter the water, the fun-filled Race Village opens from 8.30am with the bulk of the family entertainment running from 10.30am to 6.00pm. The race will be broadcast live on a giant screen and spectators can go into the draw to win prizes including POLAR Watches, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaanby Rotana vouchers and the grand prize of four race bikes from GIANT.

The region’s showpiece triathlon, one of the fastest growing events-of-its-kind in the world,also offers a unique spectator experience asit is one of the only international sporting events where everyday athletes race alongside World Champions, World Record Holders and Olympian athletes, says Al Sheikh.

“So people can cheer ontheir friendsand family,as they race alongside more than 50 of the world’s elite international triathletes, we have set upthe best viewing positions around the Race Village. The afternoon can be spent enjoying lunch in the sun at one of the many surrounding cafes and restaurants, and then spending a memorable afternoon withthe athletes as they relax after their race,” he added.

The first wave of elite athletes will startafter sunrise at around 6:40am with the last athleteexpected to finish after 9pm. Parking is available at the Public Beach Car Park down by the Hilton Hotel.

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon2012 race times (approximate)
6.30am    Corniche Beach Finish Line Village and Hospitality Opens
6.40pm    Elite start
7.05am    Long Course (Age Group) starts
7.30am    Short Course (Age Group) starts
8.55am    Sprint Course (Age Group) starts
10.45am  Sprint Course Winner Crosses the Finish Line
10.55am  Short Course Winner Crosses the Finish Line
1.30pm    Elite Long Course Winner Crosses the Finish Line
9.00pm    Last Finisher

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