The 100-day countdown to the Dubai T100 triathlon has begun with a record-breaking challenge from one of the UAE’s most respected endurance athletes.
From Friday, Ghani Souleymane will attempt to complete 100 consecutive 100km triathlons in 100 days, culminating with his final effort on the start line of the Dubai T100 on Sunday 16 November.
The extraordinary attempt, which will begin at Kite Beach in Dubai, has been submitted for an official Guinness World Record. It will also raise funds for children affected by conflict.
Each daily triathlon will match the official T100 format: a 2km swim, 80km bike ride and 18km run. By the end, Souleymane will have covered 10,000km.
“This challenge is about more than sport,” he said. “It’s about showing what’s possible when you give everything and using that effort to help children who’ve lost so much.”
Souleymane is no stranger to extreme feats, having completed 30 ultramarathons in 30 days in 2020 and 30 Ironman triathlons in 30 days in 2023.
Dubai T100 festival returns
The Dubai T100, set for 13–16 November, is part of the global T100 Triathlon World Tour organised by the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO). It combines elite racing with mass participation events and a festival atmosphere.
It also forms part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which encourages residents to complete 30 minutes of activity each day for 30 days.
The schedule begins on Thursday 13 November with the Corporate Duathlon Relay, followed on Saturday by the Sprint Triathlon for beginners and the Elite T100 Pro Race, featuring the world’s top professionals. The Music Run, a 5km event with DJs and live music, will also return.
On Sunday, amateur athletes will take on the full 100km triathlon course used by the professionals the day before.
Global investment and growing momentum
The PTO recently completed a Series C funding round, led by SURJ Sports Investment, alongside Sir Michael Moritz, Cordillera and Verance Capital. The investment will support global expansion and new formats, with the Middle East playing a central role.
“As we scale globally, we’re more committed than ever to making triathlon accessible to everyone,” said PTO chief executive Sam Renouf. “Ghani’s 100 x 100km challenge captures everything the T100 is about – elite sport that inspires community and purpose.”
World-class field expected
Dubai will be the penultimate stop before the Qatar T100 World Championship Final in December. The course, centred around Meydan Racecourse, is one of the fastest on the circuit.
“Last year’s Dubai T100 was unforgettable – fast, challenging, and world-class,” said Swiss Olympian Julie Derron, leader in the women’s T100 Race to Qatar standings. “The atmosphere, the fans, and the energy in Dubai make it one of the best events of the season.”
With registration now open, organisers say the 100-day countdown is the ideal time for athletes of all levels to sign up.
