Picture this: You’re racing along the same track where Formula 1 legends hit top speeds, but instead of an engine-powered beast beneath you, it’s just… well, your own two legs and a whole lot of determination. That’s the magic of TriYAS, Abu Dhabi’s favorite community triathlon, which just wrapped up another adrenaline-packed edition at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.
This year, 1,300 athletes dove into the marina, pedaled like their lives depended on it, and sprinted to glory under the UAE sun. Whether you were a lone wolf tackling the Olympic Aqua Bike or part of a well-oiled relay squad, the event had a challenge for everyone. Categories spanned from Sprint and Olympic Aqua Bike to Super Sprint, Olympic, and Sprint Team Relays, proving that no matter your speed or stamina, there was a place for you in the action.
Not Your Average Triathlon Course
Let’s be real—most triathlons take place in ordinary parks or plain old city streets. But TriYAS? It ups the ante with a race course unlike any other.
Imagine this:
- Swim through the marina, where the crystal-clear waters feel like an Olympic-sized pool… if only pools had the occasional yacht floating by.
- Cycle along the Yas Marina Circuit, where the only thing faster than you is the memory of Max Verstappen zooming past at 300 km/h.
- Run the final stretch on the same track that hosts some of the world’s biggest motorsport events. No pit stops needed (unless it’s for water and a pep talk).
With Abu Dhabi’s winter weather playing fair, participants pushed themselves to the limit, knowing they were part of something bigger than just a race—a fitness movement that unites a community.
Podium Power: The Standout Performances
Let’s give a round of applause (or at least an enthusiastic nod) to this year’s top finishers:
- Olympic Aqua Bike (Male): Jan Janke finished in 2:07:42—proving that endurance and efficiency make a winning combo.
- Olympic Aqua Bike (Female): Catharina Saenger showed us how it’s done with a 1:59:00 finish.
- Sprint Aqua Bike (Male): Raphael Shepard blazed through in 58:33.
- Sprint Aqua Bike (Female): Maya Sophia Lazar set the pace at 54:31.
Meanwhile, in the relay categories, team spirit was off the charts:
- Super Sprint Female Team Relay: 4SLA (Aliona Hay, Paula Gonzalez, and Ella Knight) took the crown.
- Super Sprint Male Team Relay: Tri Catch Us (Zack Johnstone, Noah Jude Leclerc, and Kai Lucas Maiden) sped to victory.
- Super Sprint Mixed Team Relay: FALCON 6 (Darko Skulikj, Damiane Kapanadze, and Shamma Alhosani) proved teamwork makes the dream work.
- Olympic Female Team Relay: The Chickadees (Akshita Vibhakar, Fatima Shaikh, and Elona Shemieeva) showed they were a force to be reckoned with.
- Olympic Male Team Relay: Los Tres Burros (Guillaume Dufond, Felix Bedolla, and Adam Millward) raced to first place.
- Sprint Mixed Team Relay: Spira 2 (Hammad Hafeez, Hassan Kakooza, and Abir Bin Ismail) sealed the win.
A Race That’s More Than Just a Race
TriYAS isn’t just about sweat, speed, and sore muscles—it’s about community, passion, and pushing personal limits. This year’s event saw over 15,000 participants since its inception, making it a staple in the UAE’s sporting scene. From first-timers to seasoned triathletes, everyone had a role to play.
And let’s not forget the MVPs behind the scenes:
- ALIGN Health kept everyone in peak form.
- Bisleri made sure dehydration was NOT on the menu.
- National Ambulance had safety covered (but thankfully, most people only needed a celebratory ice pack).
- Castore Apparel decked out the competitors in top-notch gear.
- Organic Foods & Café provided post-race snacks because let’s face it, running makes you hungry.
Why You Should Be Part of TriYAS Next Year
If you missed out this time, don’t worry—you have a whole year to train, convince your friends, and prepare your victory speech. Whether you’re aiming for the podium, a personal best, or just the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, TriYAS welcomes all levels. Plus, where else can you swim, bike, and run in a setting this cool?
So, lace up those running shoes, dust off that bike, and start training—because TriYAS 2026 will be here before you know it. And who knows? Next year, it could be your name on the leaderboard.
Until then—keep running, keep training, and keep dreaming of that sweet, sweet post-race snack.
