If you’re looking to become a new you in the New Year, there’s no better way to get healthier and active than by attending the iTrainSaturdays.
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Supported by Daman’s Activelife, the free community weekly run/walk sessions take place every Saturday, including this weekend on January 9, at the North Parklands at Yas Gateway Park.
Rather than being a competitive race, the event is an informal manually timed stroll through the park, at whichever speed you wish to run or walk.
“We’ve started a community initiative, basically inviting people to come out on a Saturday, get active and get families out together,” said Rachael Hughes of Gulf Multi Sport, organisers of iTrainSaturdays.
“We’ve got three distances to cater for someone who wants to run a 5k or someone who wants to build up to it by running a 3k. Then we’ve also got a little 1k circuit for the kids or anyone else who hasn’t run before but wants to start. Otherwise you can just come along and do it as a walk.”
As an added incentive, a Predictor will be held in which participants can predict how long it will take them to finish the 5 kilometre course. A prize will be given after each week to the person that comes the closest to their predicted time, provided they’re not wearing a running watch.
The first session of iTrainSaturdays was held last weekend and it will continue running throughout the year, eventually moving indoors in the summers and involving other activities such as swimming.
“We had our first one last weekend and we had 71 people then,” Hughes said. “A lot of people that came last weekend are all at that same level where they’re starting out. Their fitness might not be there yet but it’s a challenge they’ve set for themselves for the New Year.
“We expect it to grow and hopefully it’s something we’ll take out to other park lands throughout Abu Dhabi and the rest of the emirates.”
Make sure to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and also feel free to bring food to enjoy the familyfriendly atmosphere after the run/ walk.
Though anyone can show up on the day, registration is encouraged to better facilitate the event and for those that want to do the Predictor. Sign up at online at www.premieronline.com and arrive to the BBQ area in the park by 08:00 on the day
