Abu Dhabi: The sixth edition of TriYAS by Daman’s ActiveLif welcomed a record number of first-time participants on Friday, organisers said, making up almost 30 per cent of entries into the 2016 race.
More than 1,400 athletes of different ages and nationalities took on the challenge of the combined run, cycle and swim across several categories of ability and distance, including an 18-strong ProField. The KidsTRI category also grew this year, with 157 children signing up.
The winner of the ProField category was Ruedi Wilde, a 33-year old from Switzerland, who completed the 1,500-metre swim, 38-kilometre bike race and 10-kilometre run in one hour 44 minutes and 50 seconds – a new course record that shaved six minutes off the previous best time.
Ben Parnell from the UK triumphed in the Sprint category, taking one hour, 5 minutes and 46 seconds to complete the shorter course of a 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike course and 5-kilometre run.
The KidsTRI honours were taken by 15-year-old Lewis Whelan, from Ireland, who conquered the 200-metre swim, 10-kilometre cycle and a 1.5-kilometre run in 24 minutes and 32 seconds. Whelan beat more than 156 other athletes between the ages of nine-17 to finish first across the line.
Ahmad Rashid Al Marzouqi, a 16-year old Emirati from Abu Dhabi, took third place and has been competing in competitions for the last two years.”
He said: “This is my first TriYAS, but I come to Yas Marina Circuit regularly to attend TrainYAS and StartYAS and one day it is my ambition to compete for first place in the Olympic category. Today’s race was very exciting and the swimming proved the most challenging aspect so I am very pleased to have finished third. I prefer running and cycling, but will train hard to improve my swimming performance.”
Al Tareq Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Today has been a day of courage and personal achievement and we offer our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has taken part across all categories. For many people, it has been the culmination of a long training regime to get into the best possible mental and physical shape to achieve their personal goals.
