Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Families, students, office mates, friends, and running buddies came together on Sunday for a massive community event that transformed the iconic Yas Marina Circuit into a running track.
Organised by Ethara in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, RunYAS 2026 promoted health, wellness, and active lifestyles across all age groups, while embracing the spirit of the UAE’s Year of the Family.
More than 2,000 people took part in the event across multiple race categories, including the Yas 10K, the Yas Lap covering the full 5.3km circuit, the Yas Relay, and Yas Kids races over 1km and 2km.
Speaking to Aletihad, Arda Arat, General Manager, GNE at Haleon and the event’s official self-care partner, underscored the power of community sport in shaping healthier lifestyles.
“Community sports like RunYAS are especially meaningful this year as the UAE marks the Year of the Family. These events bring families and communities together, making self-care a shared experience and reinforcing the values of unity, empathy, and cooperation that are central to communities in the UAE,” he said.
“By participating together, families inspire each other to prioritise health and wellbeing in their daily lives.”
Arat noted that events like RunYAS capture what self-care is all about — and it goes beyond preventing illness; it’s about making positive choices every day.
“By promoting regular physical activity and healthy habits, we empower people to see prevention as a natural, rewarding part of daily life,” he said.
He also highlighted the central role of families in sustaining long-term wellbeing.
“Families are at the heart of lasting healthy habits. When families participate together, they set positive examples for children and create a culture of wellness that can be passed down through generations.”
Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit, described RunYAS as a valuable addition to Abu Dhabi’s expanding community sports calendar.
“With TriYAS and TrainYAS, it gives us a unique mix of events to inspire the community in Abu Dhabi to lead more active and healthier lives, both as individuals and families,” he said.
RunYAS is designed to welcome both seasoned runners and first-timers, and hosting it at Yas Marina Circuit strengthens that vision, Al Beshr added.
“Yas Marina Circuit is the Meeting Place of Champions, whether for Formula 1 or health and fitness events, and that spirit helps elevate people to be their best,” he said.
The race was led by RunYAS ambassadors Sir Mo Farah, a four-time Olympic champion, and Emirati sprinter Maryam Al Farsi, whose presence brought inspiration and momentum to the day, particularly for families and first-time runners.
The Yas 10K headlined the programme for participants aged 14 and above.
Younger runners aged 8 to 13 took part in the Yas Kids races, while the Yas Lap and Yas Relay offered fun, inclusive options for anyone over 12.
“The goal is for every age and ability to be a champion by crossing the finish line,” Al Beshr said.
