ATHLETIC BRILLIANCE AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS: T100 TRIATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL CAPTIVATES DUBAI

Last weekend’s T100 Triathlon World Championship Final showcased the world’s top 20 female and top 20 male triathletes, crowned two new World Champions – Belgium’s Marten Van Riel and America’s Taylor Knibb – as well as entertaining 9,500 amateur participants and countless more spectators.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism Bringing, over 3,400 amateur triathletes from 63 countries competed in both Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) and 100km (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) distances – the latter being the first of its kind in the UAE; with 34% of these participants traveling from outside of the UAE.

These amateur races welcomed first-timers, seasoned amateurs and even Fouad Saliba – a 78-year-old triathlete competitor! And if that wasn’t enough, among the highlights of the weekend was a heartwarming moment at the finish line when two participants, Marwa El Masri and Abdalrahman Adeeb Abu Alrob, became engaged in front of cheering crowds shortly after crossing the finish line. Their story of shared triumph and love brought an emotional close, to an already unforgettable amateur event.

“The T100 was an incredible challenge, one that pushed me to my limits as an athlete. Crossing that finish line was already a huge accomplishment, but what came next was beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Marwa. “My boyfriend, who had raced with me, got down on one knee and proposed. It was the most unforgettable moment of my life, combining my passion for triathlon with the start of a new journey together. The energy, the emotions, and the overwhelming support from everyone around made it truly magical. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to celebrate.”

The Meydan Racecourse was also packed on Saturday night thanks to The Music Run, as more than 6,140 participants ran, walked, and danced their way around a 5km course, lined with booming speakers and entertainment. Including triathlon GOAT Jan Frodeno, who had been leading the TV commentary earlier in the afternoon for the T100 pro women’s race. Frodeno even posted the run on his Strava (see below), showing his competitive spirit is still alive and running at the age of 43. Non racing T100 pros Lucy Charles-Barclay and Chelsea Sodaro also joined in the fun and even appeared on stage.

The fun run – one of the largest seen this year in Dubai – culminated with a finish-line festival with live DJs, where participants danced into the evening.

The 2025 T100 edition will be staged on 15-16 November during next year’s 30×30 Dubai Fitness Challenge and again feature a 100km and Sprint distance triathlons. For more information and to secure a super early bird price of 1,500 AED visit here.

It was America’s Taylor Knibb and Marten Van Riel who left Dubai as the city’s first ever winners – and the season’s World Champions – cheered by thousands of spectators at Meydan Racecourse, and from around the world tuning into the global broadcast.

But with an event of this magnitude, stretching from Sunrise beach to the Meydan Racecourse, this weekend wouldn’t have been possible without the support and commitment by over 160 dedicated volunteers. Speaking about their time in Dubai, volunteer Neil Keating said:

“Being part of the Dubai T100 was an incredible experience. Seeing athletes from all over the world push their limits and knowing I played a small role in making it happen was so rewarding. The energy, the camaraderie, and the sense of achievement—it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Pro athletes Imogen Simmonds and Rico Bogen visited GEMS World Academy, to share insights about their careers, the T100 series, and the vital role of staying active. This initiative between PTO and GEMS reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of health and well-being among students. By hosting world-class athletes and promoting events like The Music Run, the school is empowering young minds to embrace active lifestyles and develop a passion for fitness.

Sam Renouf, CEO of The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) expressed his pride in the season closing event, saying:

“We wanted to crown our first T100 Triathlon World Champions in a spectacular location, with spectacular races – and Dubai certainly delivered on that. But it went much further too. Dubai helped us stage a fantastic festival of multisport activity that aligned with Dubai’s thriving 30×30 Fitness Challenge and included just under 10,000 amateur participants signing up for a combination of 100km and Sprint distance triathlons and a 5km music run. As well as cheering also on the top 20 female and top 20 male triathletes in the world and enjoying a bustling expo village which featured local and international brands.”

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) at DET, spoke about the positive impact on the event has had on the city, especially during the prominent month of Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30:

“Following a remarkable weekend of sporting excellence, Dubai further solidifies its reputation as a global center for world-class sporting events. The inaugural T100 Triathlon World Championship Final Weekend perfectly epitomized what Dubai Fitness Challenge is all about, inspiring thousands with incredible performances from both elite athletes and over 3,400 age-group competitors. Such events underscore Dubai’s vibrant sports culture and support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to transform Dubai into one of the world’s most active cities, fostering a community where health, fitness, and inclusivity thrive.”

Looking ahead, the 2025 Dubai T100 is officially scheduled for 15-16 November 2025, promising even greater excitement and participation. Athletes eager to be part of this legacy can now register at https://t100triathlon.com/dubai/triathlon-2025