Abu Dhabi: Organisers of the third annual ADNIC Yas Run announced on Wednesday that children will be able to enter the 2013 1km and 3km races free of charge.

Kids aged eight to 11 years will be eligible for the shortest distance, while those aged 12 to 15 can run the 3km route — both of which take place on the island’s iconic Formula 1 track on Friday, November 22.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chief Corporate Marketing and Communications Officer at event sponsor Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, said: “The health and wellbeing of the nation is at the heart of the ADNIC Yas Run and we are dedicated to ensuring that young people of the UAE have access to this unique event that focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

The ADNIC Yas Run has added an inter-schools competition to the 2013 experience and organisers are encouraging schools from across the nation to register for the chance to be named fastest school.

“Over the past two years we have received an outstanding response from across the UAE, with hundreds of children taking part with their school friends and families,” Al Nuaimi added.

“We expect to see many familiar faces returning for 2013, plus many new competitors as the ADNIC Yas Run continues to grow into the UAE’s largest community running event.”

In addition to the 1km & 3km races, the Yas Run offers runners of all abilities the chance to run the F1 track in the 5km (open to ages eight years and above) or 10km (for 15 years and above) categories.

“The ADNIC Yas Run is a key part of our ongoing community health and fitness programme at Yas Marina Circuit,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, Senior Commercial Director at Yas Marina Circuit.

“This year we will see more people than ever before come to the circuit with the purpose of getting healthier. It’s vitally important that we see kids take part, and letting them run free in this year’s ADNIC Yas Run is the best way to get them started.”

The event is set to be a day out for all the family, with the Athlete’s Village, open to participants and spectators, filled with sporting activities and live entertainment.

Runners can register by visiting www.adnicyasrun.ae.