Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit is set to welcome an unprecedented number of triathletes for its second annual Tri Yas triathlon, set to take place this Friday, 13 April from 4:00pm. With registration closing earlier this week, 900 athletes are now gearing up to compete in team and individual categories, in what will be the region’s first twilight triathlon.

“Last year’s inaugural Tri Yas attracted 600 competitors from across the UAE and the region,” said Nick McElwee, Sales and Marketing Director at Yas Marina Circuit. “This year as a result of the on-going support of the UAE sporting community and Tri Yas’s new twilight timing and format, we’ll be welcoming an unprecedented 900 competitors – that’s a 50 per cent increase on last year.”

“With so many participants this year, we’re strongly encouraging friends and families to come to the Circuit to show their support, and hopefully be inspired to enter next year’s Tri Yas,” added McElwee.

Among the 900 competitors registered to compete in the unique test of skill and endurance is Olympic hopeful and Egypt’s first professional triathlete, Omar Nour. Nour, who is joining other international athletes from locations as far away as South Africa, will host a junior clinic with participants in the Junior Duathlon at 6:45pm on Friday just before their race starts at 7:30pm.

In the lead up to the event, Yas Marina Circuit’s official hotel partner, the Yas Viceroy will also be hosting a Tri Yas Triathlete Pasta Party between 6pm - 10pm on Thursday 12 April, in the hotel’s Viceroy Ballroom. Along with providing participants with much needed fuel before the race, the party will also be an opportunity for triathletes to mix and mingle.

Also on the agenda at the Tri Yas Pasta Party, is an inspiring talk from 7:00 to 7:30 pm by Omar Nour on how in four short years, he overcame being overweight and uninspired to now be on the road to the 2012 Olympics. Nour will also be offering participants useful training hints and tips for next year’s Tri Yas.

For friends and family supporting loved ones this weekend, ideal viewing points include the Media Centre and Marina for the swimming leg, the Yas Paddock Suites overlooking the main pit transition area for the bike leg, and the Paddock area for the finish line. Entrance for spectators is free of charge and food and beverage will be available for purchase at a number of Circuit food outlets.

For those registered to compete, Yas Marina Circuit wishes to remind that Race Registration and Race Pack Collection will take place at Yas Marina Circuit in the Main Pits in garages 5 and 6 on Thursday 12th April from 6pm – 10pm as well as on race day, Friday 13th of April from 12pm – 3pm.

To check participants wave timings, please visit www.yasmarinacircuit.ae. 

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