Every Tuesday evening, a group of Abu Dhabi residents head out to the long, winding track on Yas Island. Known as ‘Train Yas’, the event allows members of the community to get outdoors and do some physical activity in a fantastic setting. We set out on a crisp and cool night to join these fitness fanatics as they made their way around the unique course: a Formula One track.
The setting as you enter is an impressive sight; hundreds of people sporting exercise gear are gathered, representing all ages and nationalities. It’s very easy to spot the many families who have clearly come together to revel in some healthy fun. All across the track, we notice walkers, joggers and cyclists zipping around in opposite directions. The people on bikes move anti-clockwise and overtake each other on the right-hand side. The walkers and joggers move in a clockwise direction and are not allowed to cross over to the bikers’ side.
‘We are very strict, but this is only to keep everyone safe and ensure they’re having a good time,’ Ali, one of the event organisers, tells us. And indeed, they are very serious about protecting the well being of those in attendance; with a plethora of staff members on hand, equipped with whistles and cameras to monitor the flow of fitness freaks, it is hard to see how anything can go wrong. Safety concerns are also the reason that no skateboards or rollerblades are allowed on the track either.
Looking around at the varying age groups of people on the circuit, we are relieved that the administration at Yas Marina Circuit is so strict. There are many tiny children biking amid the zealous adults, yet everyone seems very happy in their voluntary exercise regime. ‘If we ever see someone endangering others, we could ban them for life,’ Ali reveals. This is another reason why absolutely no one can enter the track without having a Yas registration card. To obtain one, you can either register online on their website, or visit one of the kiosks at the venue itself. If you do fill out the form online, you just pick up your ID once you are at the entrance of the venue, which is at Gate 20.
The emphasis on safety is also apparent with the strict helmet policy that is enforced.
‘No one cycles in without a helmet,’ Ali informs us. If at any point a walker or cyclist feels too tired to continue, they should stop in their place and raise their hand, as opposed to backtracking to the nearest exit. Once you raise your hand, a staff member will spot you on the live camera feed and send a marshal to escort you safely off the track. While we were attempting our circuit around the track, we didn’t get to
see this in action but noting how serious Ali and the rest of the staff were about safety, we didn’t doubt the efficiency of the system.
What’s the cost of getting to use this phenomenal facility as a great exercise venue for three hours a week? Absolutely nothing, it’s totally free. For bikers who don’t possess their own set of wheels, you can rent one with a helmet from one of the kiosks for just Dhs25 an hour, and the bikes displayed come in all sizes.
We caught up with some families leaving the track at 9pm (things start at 6pm) and asked them what they loved about Train Yas. ‘It really feels great to see so many people here to work out and the track is amazing,’ says Tariq, as he wheels his bike back to his car. Another lady, Linda, is walking by with her daughter and husband. ‘It’s the second time we’ve been as we’ve just moved nearby,’ she says, clearly buoyed by her recent experience. ‘But this will definitely become part of our Tuesday evenings!’
For more information, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
