Abu Dhabi: Bosses at Abu Dhabi’s Formula One venue, Yas Marina Circuit, have announced the return of its TriYAS by Daman’s Activelife race on February 20.

Featuring new additions, including a KidsTRI open to children aged between 12-16 and women-only category, the UAE’s only twilight triathlon is open to all first-time racers — as well as more experienced triathletes.

Yas Marina Circuit officials are encouraging all UAE residents to get moving and set themselves the personal challenge of entering their very first triathlon.

Participants will be encouraged to share their own personal stories of their training experiences across social media, using the hashtag ‘#TriYAS’ in a bid to spur others on.

Novices and beginners will be able take advantage of the triathlon training programme run by Haddins Gym, which covers swimming, cycling, running, core exercises and expert tips from triathlon pros.

TriYAS by Daman’s Activelife also includes two distances for adults: the Olympic category, with a 1,500-metre swim, 40-kilometre bike race and 10-kilometre run and the shorter sprint category, involving a 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike course and five-kilometre run. The fifth TriYAS will include the addition of KidsTRI for younger members of the family to test themselves over a 50-metre swim, six-kilometre cycle and a 1.5-kilometre run.

As part of the circuit’s ongoing ‘Big Data’ health audit initiative to benchmark the UAE’s activity habits, entrants to TriYAS will also have their BMI (Body Mass Index) and other data measured on site. The information collected will add to the existing knowledge base for use in future health planning strategies in the emirate.

“The return of TriYAS is great news for Abu Dhabi fitness community. Already one of the most supported race events in the UAE, this year’s edition promises to be even bigger and better, with a focus on personal achievement. Daman is really proud to be sponsoring TriYAS and we would encourage anyone looking to make a change for good in their lives to sign up and take part. We look forward to seeing you there,” said Dr Michael Bitzer, Chief Executive Officer of National Health Insurance Company — Daman.

TriYAS 2014 saw 1,400 triathletes swim, run and cycle the Formula One Etihad Airwys Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track and this year, organisers are expecting an even larger turnout.

“TriYAS is an important event on the UAE’s health calendar,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit. “It is extremely important for us to encourage local communities to come to the circuit, be they first-timers or experienced triathletes. TriYAS is part of our ongoing efforts to motivate local residents of all ages to become more active. Safety and the experience of our guests are extremely important to us and the 5thTriYAS will again see improvements and the highest safety standards possible.

This year’s TriYAS will also see the return of ‘HealthX’, following the success of the inaugural event in November. A community-oriented forum around health and well-being, HealthX is aimed at facilitating better conversations and sharing of ideas among practitioners keen to make a difference in community health. Up to six speakers will make keynote addresses to a privately invited audience on the theme of ‘Personal Performance’ covering motivations, training, nutrition and personal stories.

HealthX will take place on February 19 and speakers will be announced closer to the date.