Etihad Airways announced its the official airline sponsor of Events DC’s Nation’s Triathlon in Washington D.C. and secured the partnership between the Nations’ Triathlon and the Tri Yas Triathlon in Abu Dhabi.

The announcement was made in Washington DC by Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), organizers of the  Events DC’s Nation’s Triathlon. The 2013 Nation’s Triathlon will take place on Sunday, September 8 with 5,000 participants.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “We are delighted to support the world renowned Nation’s Triathlon in Washington DC and its sister race, Tri Yas, which takes place in our home of Abu Dhabi.

“Etihad Airways launched its daily service to Washington DC in March this year and the partnership gives us an ideal opportunity to support two fantastic sporting events in two of the world’s leading capital cities.”

Molly Quinn, vice president of Triathlon Events at CGI, said: “The Events DC Nation’s Triathlon has truly become a global event, welcoming participants to our Nation’s Capital from around the world.

“This airline partnership also creates a sister city relationship between two premier triathlons, the Events DC Nation’s Triathlon and Tri Yas, elevating each race’s opportunity for international exposure. 

“Both events take place in capital cities and Etihad Airways will be the common link between these two triathlons in cities between which Etihad Airways recently started direct flight services.”

The Events DC Nation’s Triathlon features several races-within-a-race including a Gryphon Technologies military challenge, open to active duty military and veterans, congressional challenge, open to federal and Hill employees, the commander-in-chief challenge, open to participants from the military academy tri teams, and the Etihad Airways tri club challenge, for triathlon club members.

The Nation’s Triathlon will be through the National Mall and Memorial Parks including a 1.5k swim in the Potomac River, 40k bike course, the streets of Washington and Maryland, a 10k run through Washington DC’s historical landmarks with finish south of the FDR Memorial.

The event will start with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, open to the public on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 at the Washington Hilton.