The seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon is set to take place tomorrow, Saturday, 13th December, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by ADNOC. The event will see strong participation from elite international athletes, professional runners, and community members, aiming to promote sport and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
The Elite Marathon, covering 42.195 kilometres, will commence at 05:45, followed by age-group races and the two-runner relay at 06:00 from Zayed Sports City. The course passes key landmarks including Capital Gate, ADNOC Headquarters, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Qasr Al Hosn, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, finishing back at Zayed Sports City. The 10-kilometre race will start at 06:15, while the 5-kilometre and 2.5-kilometre races begin at 06:00.
The total prize pool exceeds US$300,000, with the winners of the men’s and women’s Elite Marathon each receiving US$50,000. Wheelchair race winners will earn US$3,150, with additional prizes for second and third places, as well as awards for the 10-kilometre race.
On race day, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Village will be open from 05:00 to 13:00 at the park behind ADNOC Headquarters, featuring sponsor pavilions, fitness and yoga sessions, sports activities, children’s zones, and live entertainment.
A press conference for elite athletes was held on 11th December at the Marathon Village, attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Director of International Events at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, alongside senior council and ADNOC officials.
The women’s elite field includes Kenyan Katherine Amanang’oli, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion, Kenyan Sandra Toy, and Eritrean runner Dolchi Tekleghirgish. The men’s elite race features Kenyan Eric Keptanoy, Turkish athlete Kaan Ozbilin, and Kenyan Mike Boit.
Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the partnership with ADNOC, saying it has delivered a world-class marathon that embodies UAE values and strengthens the nation’s standing on the global sports calendar. Saif Al Falahi of ADNOC added that the marathon celebrates community, fitness, and resilience.
The Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025 is proudly sponsored by ADNOC, Nike, Tadweer, National Health Insurance Company – Daman, Burjeel Medical City, Vitamin Well, Al Ain Water, Al Masaood Automobiles, Barakat, Fulville, Steigen, Marutin, Filipino Times, and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.
(Inputs from WAM)
