If your January fitness plans are already starting to feel ambitious, here’s a reminder that staying active doesn’t have to mean gyms or strict routines. This Sunday, January 11, Yas Marina Circuit is opening its gates to the public for RunYAS 2026, one of Abu Dhabi’s most loved community fitness events.
For one morning, the iconic Formula 1 circuit will belong to runners, joggers, families, and school groups. No engines. No pressure. Just people moving together. Organised by Ethara in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, RunYAS 2026 Abu Dhabi focuses on one simple idea: start the year moving, and do it in good company.
It’s the kind of event that feels very UAE. Big location. Easygoing vibe. Everyone welcome. Whether you’re a regular runner or someone who hasn’t laced up since last January, the atmosphere is designed to make you feel comfortable from the first step.
A race format designed for all ages and fitness levels
One of the reasons RunYAS keeps drawing strong crowds year after year is its variety. This is not a one-size-fits-all race. It’s built to include everyone.
For younger participants, Yas Kids races are a highlight. These include 1km and 2km distances and are open to children under 14 from Abu Dhabi schools and sports clubs. Parents line the track, phones out, cheering loudly. For many kids, it’s their first proper run in a real race environment, and the excitement is obvious.
Adults who prefer a team format can sign up for the Yas Relay. Teams of three split the circuit between them, making it a popular option for friends, colleagues, and fitness groups. It’s competitive enough to be fun, but relaxed enough that no one feels left behind.
The most popular category is the Yas Lap. One full lap of the circuit. All 5.281 kilometres of it. It’s challenging, but manageable for most people who jog or walk regularly. Finish the lap, cross the line, and you’re rewarded with a bespoke RunYAS Champions T-shirt by Capelli Sport. Many runners consider that T-shirt part of the experience.
For those who want a tougher test, the Yas 10K is where things get serious. This category attracts experienced runners who enjoy structured training and pushing personal limits. The smooth, flat circuit makes it ideal for pace control, even if the real challenge is mental more than physical.
More than a race, it’s a community morning
With 2026 officially marked as the Year of the Family, RunYAS feels especially relevant. This event is not about podium finishes or chasing records. It’s about participation. Showing up. Moving together.
You’ll see families running side by side. School groups warming up together. Corporate teams laughing through relay handovers. It’s a snapshot of the UAE’s growing focus on everyday wellness, where fitness is woven into normal life rather than treated as a separate goal.
For residents from Abu Dhabi and even Dubai who make the short drive, it’s also a welcome break from indoor routines. January weather helps. Cool mornings. Clear skies. Open space. The circuit offers a safe, traffic-free environment that’s hard to beat.
Events like RunYAS also reflect the wider push across the UAE to encourage healthier lifestyles without intimidation. You don’t need fancy gear. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to turn up.
What the morning will look like?
RunYAS 2026 starts early, with activities kicking off from 7am at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. The early start keeps conditions comfortable and the event running smoothly.
Participants can expect clear race organisation, marshals along the route, and designated areas for warm-ups and recovery. The setup is efficient, but relaxed. Families often arrive early to take photos on the track and enjoy the atmosphere before races begin.
Parking and access are well managed, as you’d expect at a venue used to hosting major international events. Once the run is done, many participants turn it into a full morning out, grabbing breakfast nearby or heading into Yas Island for the rest of the day.
Entry details at a glance
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to take part:
- Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Start time: From 7am
- Entry fees:
- Yas Relay: Dhs190 per person
- Yas Lap (5.281km): Dhs220
- Yas 10K: Dhs260
Places are limited, and some categories tend to fill up quickly.
RunYAS 2026 Abu Dhabi is not about proving anything. It’s about starting the year on the right foot, quite literally. Whether you’re running for fitness, fun, or simply to say you’ve run an F1 circuit, it’s one of those events that feels good long after it’s over.
Sometimes, the best motivation is just being part of something bigger than yourself.
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