Abu Dhabi: Gatonye Daniel and Emma Phillips won the inaugural Adnic Yas Run at Yas Marina Circuit held on Saturday evening.
Altogether 2,153 runners followed the same route as Etihad Airways F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix winner, Lewis Hamilton, around the iconic track.
The 16-year-old from Kenya comfortably won the 10km race beating Ethiopian Yassin Kedir Ebba, to cross the finish line, under the chequered flag, in 31 minutes 46 seconds. British national Emma Phillips and Gatonye Daniel each win free entry into the UAE Healthy Kidney 10km run in New York in May 2012 as well as two return Etihad flight tickets.
Daniel, currently holidaying in Dubai, commented: "I'm happy with my time, but you know there's always room to improve. I finish my education this year and will continue to compete. I'm looking forward to racing in the UAE Healthy Kidney 10km in New York — it will be my first time to visit the city."
Walid Sidani, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (Adnic), said: "As title sponsor of the inaugural Adnic Yas Run 2011, we are delighted to bring this fantastic community running event to Abu Dhabi. I must congratulate today's winners, as well as each and every runner who participated."
"The community support evident during the event was beyond expectations. In addition to raising money for the event's official charity, the UAE Red Crescent, we hope the Adnic Yas Run has gone some way to highlight the importance of living a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise."
The 10km main race saw 1,229 individual runners and 48 teams. There were 732 children in the 1km and 3km races and more than 3,000 spectators. Other winners included Declan Ball in the children's 1km, Paul Mueller in the children's 3km and Zurich A in the 10km Team Relay.
"Yas Marina Circuit is an amazing asset to the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Adnic Yas Run is a perfect example of our commitment to reach out to the community," said Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management.
