Adventure race to be held on Sir Bani Yas Island

The National -- A first-of-it's kind adventure race will be held on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island. The Sir Bani Yas Challenge is set to be an annual event, with the inaugural race taking place on March 29.

The race, which lasts for two days, involves a 10-kilometre run, 37km mountain bike route and 3km kayak course. The race will be held in partnership with Anantara Desert Islands Resorts & Spa.

Sir Bani Yas, an 87-square-km island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, was developed into a wildlife reserve by the late Sheikh Zayed.

More than 15,000 free-roaming animals and birds – including oryx, gazelle, deer, ostrich, giraffe and cheetah – call the island home. Its name originates from the Bani Yas tribe who first inhabited Abu Dhabi.

Rates start from Dh600 per person for a single entry package, all packages include transportation from Abu Dhabi to Sir Bani Yas and back, camping on the island Thursday night, food and beverages for the entire stay, race participation and gift pack.