News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the largest community sports gathering in the UAE capital, will kick off tomorrow, 14 December, bringing together over 33,000 runners from around the globe. Elite athletes, professional competitors, and community participants will take to the streets of Abu Dhabi for the event’s sixth edition, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
The marathon, which seeks to promote health, fitness, and the UAE’s presence on the global sports stage, features a 42.195 km race starting at 6:00 am from ADNOC Headquarters on Corniche Road. Participants will run past iconic landmarks such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Bateen Palace, Qasr Al Hosn, and the World Trade Centre before concluding at the ADNOC Campus near Baynunah Public Park.
Additional events include a 10 km race at 6:30 am, a 2.5 km race at 8:45 am, and a 5 km race at 9:30 am, designed to engage the wider community and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Over $300,000 in Prizes
This year’s marathon boasts a prize pool exceeding $300,000, with $50,000 awarded to the top male and female finishers in the elite marathon category. Cash prizes are also allocated to winners in the wheelchair marathon and 10 km wheelchair races.
Community and Festivities
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Sports Village, located behind ADNOC HQ, will open from 4:00 am to 2:00 pm. The village will host fitness and yoga classes, live music, sports activities, children’s entertainment, and sponsor booths.
Celebrating Unity Through Sport
During a press conference on Thursday, H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the ADSC, highlighted the event as a symbol of the UAE’s values of happiness, tolerance, and cultural harmony. “This marathon represents unity and inspires future generations through sport,” he said, extending gratitude to sponsors, participants, and elite athletes.
Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Executive Director, People, Commercial and Corporate, described the marathon as “a spectacular celebration of community, fitness, and resilience,” expressing excitement for the event’s impact on participants and spectators.
Elite Athletes in the Spotlight
Elite runners from around the world, including Ethiopian marathoner Chala Ketema and Eritrean half-marathoner Catherine Reline Amanang Ole, are set to compete. Ketema aims to achieve a personal best, while Ole, running her first marathon, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity.
With over 33,000 participants and a diverse lineup of races, the 2024 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon promises a memorable experience for all, reinforcing the UAE’s dedication to health and fitness.
