More than 4,200 people took to Yas Marina Circuit this past Sunday, 11 January as Abu Dhabi hosted the first edition of RunYAS, transforming the iconic Formula One track into a shared space for movement, community and connection.
Led by Emirati sprinter Maryam Al Farsi and four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah, the event welcomed runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities, from seasoned athletes to families and first-time participants.
Held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and organised by Ethara, RunYAS was designed as a community-first initiative that places accessibility and inclusion at its core.
Participants were invited to experience the circuit across a range of distances, including the Yas 10K, the Yas Lap (5.3km), the Year of Family Relay, and dedicated Yas Kids races over 1K and 2K. The format encouraged people to take part in a way that suited them, whether running competitively or simply enjoying the experience of moving on one of the world’s most recognisable sporting venues.
Al Farsi, who represented the UAE at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, took part alongside participants throughout the morning, offering visible inspiration for young runners and aspiring athletes. Farah also joined the Yas Lap, running with the community and adding to the sense of occasion on track.
Inclusion was a key focus, with 35 People of Determination participating across the different categories, reinforcing the event’s commitment to making physical activity accessible to all.
Among the standout performances on the day, Nowel Cheruto and Abu Salim Mayanja claimed victory in the Yas 10K. Mika Manfield and Luke Welborn topped the Yas Kids 2K, while Phoebe Baillon and Bradley James Reichelt won the Yas Kids 1K. Badriya Talal took first place in the Yas Lap.
RunYAS was delivered in line with the UAE’s Year of Family, using sport as a platform to strengthen family bonds, encourage healthy habits and bring local communities together in a shared, active setting.
Dr Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “Seeing families, friends, and first-time runners take to Yas Marina Circuit is a powerful reminder that health is built through shared moments. In the Year of the Family 2026, initiatives like RunYAS translate our public health strategy into real action, making healthy living part of everyday life, supporting physical activity, strengthening social connection, and embedding prevention into daily routines to help build a healthier, more resilient Abu Dhabi.”
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Ethara, said:
“The staging of RunYAS is another milestone addition to our community programme at Yas Marina Circuit and it was fantastic to see thousands of people from the UAE local community spend the morning by getting active on the F1 track.
“It is not only a testament to the government’s on-going efforts to promoting a healthy lifestyle for all but provides a platform to inspire other people to engage with physical exercise that they can enjoy with their friends and family.”
With strong participation across all age groups and abilities, RunYAS set the tone for future editions, positioning mass participation sport as a central pillar of Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle agenda.
