The fifth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has begun with a record-breaking 25,000 runners, from 168 nationalities, participating alongside a host of elite athletes.
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon – Event Village, located behind the ADNOC Tower, features a number of pavilions for sponsors and partners with entertainment provided as well as musical performances for visitors.
Organized by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and ADNOC, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is recognized as one of the Middle East’s premier marathon events, with a prize fund of $303,000. Among the elite athletes taking part this year will be Uganda’s Andrew Kwemoi, winner of the 2023 Milano Marathon, Kenya’s Ilham Tanui Ozbilen and Emily Kipchumba.
Mr. Suhail Al-Arifi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council said that “The remarkable confirmed participation this year of more than 25,000 runners signifies the substantial growth of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon over the years. With 168 nationalities represented at the race, including an intriguing elite line up, it showcases the event’s significance locally and globally.”
Mr. Al-Arifi added that “This fifth time organizing and hosting the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is certainly a special occasion. The marathon route will take you on a tour around the most famous landmarks in our beautiful capital, starting from the ADNOC headquarters, passing through the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Hosn Palace, and the World Trade Centre.”
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon caters to various fitness levels, offering race categories including the marathon (42.195 km), marathon relay, 10km, 5km, and 2.5km. All races will commence at different locations near the ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road and finish at the ADNOC Campus, near Bainuna Public Park.
The daily Marathon Village, hosted at the ADNOC Campus, is accessible until race day, from 3pm to 10pm. The free-to-enter facility promises an immersive experience for visitors with entertainment, a wide array of eating options, activations, and services.
Mr. Khalid Al Hosani, SVP Group General Services at ADNOC said that “The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon continues to positively impact the UAE community and cement Abu Dhabi’s global reputation as a world-class sporting destination. We are thrilled to welcome participants from around the world to this fifth edition which promises to provide an unforgettable, inclusive experience grounded in health, resilience, and the spirit of unity.”
Mr. Kenyan Brigid Kosgei , a two-time winner at both the Chicago and London Marathons, remarked that “I’m very excited to test myself here in Abu Dhabi. Two of my training mates have both run here [in this city] and won on these roads, so I want to make my training camp shine again. I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi before, but I can see it’s a very nice track. I have come here to run the Marathon and win the race. I want to take the [gold] medal this year.”
Ms. Emily Kipchumba, a Kenyan long-distance runner, added that “I love to run in Abu Dhabi as it is a very good place to be. I’m very happy to close my Marathon season here in Abu Dhabi. I’m well prepared and I hope to run my personal best. I get a lot of motivation from running against Brigid.”
Kenya’s Paul Kipngetich Tanui, a silver medalist at the Rio de Janiero Olympics in 2016, had a powerful message for his fellow participants ahead of the gruelling 42.195 km race on Saturday.
“The Abu Dhabi Marathon has always been one of my favorite races. The Marathon is a challenge and a great opportunity for us all. When we start running and begin chalking off those miles, I know it will motivate us [all] to keep going – especially when we see everyone on the road supporting us. This is a journey and we must finish,” Mr. Tanui stated.
Meanwhile, Turkish runner Ilham Tanoy Ozbilin is in positive spirits ahead of his first-ever Marathon appearance this weekend. Mr. Ozbilin commented that: “It’s my first Marathon and I’ll be expecting to run good. I have a good feeling about this place, so I hope everything will go well.”
Mr. Kwemoi, who won his first Marathon in April, is also looking forward to running in the UAE capital once more, said that “I am happy to come to Abu Dhabi for the Marathon. It is good to be back here again.”
As part of the marathon, roads will be closed across Abu Dhabi from midnight until 2pm on Saturday. Road closures for the marathon are divided into eight phases, depending where they are on the race route. Parts of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street will be closed from midnight until 7.30am, Corniche Street will also be off limits from 2am until 2pm. Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street will close from 3am until 9am, then the marathon route moves on to Sheikh Rashid Bin Saaed Street, which will close to the public in phases between 4am and noon.
Beyond its burgeoning reputation as a platform for global athletic excellence, this year’s marathon incorporates several eco-initiatives dedicated to promoting sustainability. The organizers have pledged their commitment to ensure, wherever feasible, a positive impact of the event on the community and environment.
