Yas Marina Circuit has announced the return of the TriYAS by Daman’s Activelife race on 20th February 2015.

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This year will feature a brand new addition in the form of a KidsTRI, open to children aged between 12 and 16. There will also be a female only category.

UAE residents with no previous triathlon experience are being encouraged to get moving and set themselves the personal challenge of entering their very first triathlon. Participants will also 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.

A triathlon training programme run by Haddins Gym, which covers swimming, cycling, running, core exercises and expert tips from triathlon pros, is also being promoted for use by newcomers to the sport.

TriYAS boasts 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 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 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,” said Dr Michael Bitzer, CEO of National Health Insurance Company – Daman.

“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.”

TriYAS 2014 saw 1,400 triathletes swim, run and cycle the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track at Yas Island, and organisers are expecting an even larger turnout in 2015.