2008 Abu Dhabi Adventure Race
The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge first appeared on the race calendar in 2007 and made such an impact that its second running in December 2008 had the most international entries ever for an adventure race – 36 teams and racers from 21 nations!
The appeal is easy enough to understand and starts with an impressive prize purse. There was a total of US$236,000 with cash prizes running down to $1000 for 30th place. What’s more, the race provides all the kayaks and bikes, some top class accommodations within the entry fee, logistics and food for much of the week – so the high cost of competing in a weeklong race is kept to a minimum. In these cash strapped times, with sponsors and prize money hard to find, it’s a financial oasis in the desert of a recession-hit sport!
Not surprisingly all the top teams and racers were there, attracted by the cash of the oil-rich state, but also by its hospitality and slick organization, the scenery of Abu Dhabi, and by the race format. The race was a mix of expedition and stage racing (with two longer overnight stages during the week), on a course designed to show off the best of the emirate including it scenery and attractions in an upand- coming adventure sports destination.
Not surprisingly all the top teams and racers were there, attracted by the cash of the oil-rich state, but also by its hospitality and slick organization, the scenery of Abu Dhabi, and by the race format. The race was a mix of expedition and stage racing (with two longer overnight stages during the week), on a course designed to show off the best of the emirate including it scenery and attractions in an upand- coming adventure sports destination.
The race is organized for the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority by Commu’nity, the French race organisers (formerly Saga d’aventures) who have previously staged the MountainX Race, Xadventure Series and Raid Gauloises. It’s their expertise and contacts plus the enthusiasm and funding of the hosts that drew such an impressive international response, despite the awkward date just before Christmas.
