Runners ranging from as young as eight to some in their 60s poun-ded the Yas concrete in 1km, 3km, 10km and relay races while a host of superb activities created a vibrant family atmosphere at the track.
Outaleb Mouhcine from Morocco, with a time of 29 minutes 32 seconds, and Jane Kangara from Kenya, with a time of 34 minutes 43 seconds, were crowned champions of the men and women’s 10km race respectively, and each received round trip tickets to New York to participate in the 2013 UAE Healthy Kidney 10K next year, courtesy of Etihad Airways.
Mouhcine, who had participated in the Zayed Marathon just two days before, said: “I ran it very fast but it was a little bit difficult – or interesting rather – to run on the Formula One track, because of the weather and the winding route, plus it was my first time visiting the UAE. I didn’t train much, just heard about the event at the last minute and wanted to come out to see my friends. I’m very tired!”
Kangara echoed his sentiments about the course, but admitted to having it easy with none of her fem-ale rivals able to match her pace.
“I’ve done many races before so it was easy for me, but very slippery out there. Very interesting,” she said.
The children of Her Highness Sheikha Al Yazia bint Saif bin Moh-ammed Al Nahyan, patron of Operation Smile, were also specially invited to cut the ribbon to start the 1km race – the first event of the day – which saw Benjamin Ell-iot, 11, take first place, while Samuel O’Shea, 14, was first across the line in the 3km event.
Abu Dhabi Police A1 took the trophy in the 10km team relay race. Before presenting awards to the overall winners last night, Yas Marina Circuit (YMC) CEO Richard Cregan expressed his thanks to all involved.
He said: “I want to say a big thank you to ADNIC. I think every year it’s getting bigger. That’s what’s we want – Yas Marina Circuit to become a centre for the community and these kind of events makes that happen.
“Secondly, the people behind the scenes did a fantastic job, so thank you very much. And of course, last but not least, are the competitors who I really admire.”
Walid Sidani, CEO of ADNIC, was equally pleased with the success of the partnership, and said: “We look forward to a sustainable and mut-ually beneficial relationship with YMC.
This is where you have two Abu Dhabi-based organisations having a common vision of how we can mix business, community and the healthcare of the nation toget-her to come up with something that is of this magnitude.
He added: “We know that a run in itself is not going to cure the current healthcare situation in one day, but it takes preparation so if we can contribute to a slight change in lifestyle that is very positive.”
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