Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge

The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and had a prize purse of US$236,500, with the winning team receiving US$40,000.

Incorporating a number of disciplines, including trail running, sea kayaking, rope works, mountain biking, desert orienteering and adventure running, the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge was developed by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) to showcase the emirate's diverse landscapes, including city scenes, islands, desert, oases and rocky heights.

Boasting a new look route, which incorporated the nature-based destination of Sir Bani Yas island in the emirate's Al Gharbia (Western) Province, the 2008 event was again won by a team captained by Richard Ussher (New Zealand).

Richard and Elina Ussher (Team Quasr Al Sarab) achieved their hat trick, winning for the third time in a row with a commanding display.

Days three, four and five typically see the athletes enter the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) and the eastern Liwa Oasis village of Hamim, where they have to complete a multi-leg desert orientation and mountain-biking route.

Tactics also come into play during this leg, as teams have to choose whether to attempt all checkpoints, or miss key ones and take the time penalty in lieu of saving energy in the precipitous 200-meter high dunes.