ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon to host record 25k runners

ABU DHABI: The fifth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday morning is set to host a record 25,000 runners from 168 countries, as well as a host of elite athletes.

The organizing committee revealed the most prominent international runners, male and female, at a press conference on Friday.

Organized by Abu Dhabi Sports Council 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, Turkiye’s Ilham Tanui Ozbilen and Kenya’s Emily Kipchumba.

Suhail Al-Arifi, executive director of the events sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “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 lineup, it showcases the event’s significance locally and globally.”

Al-Arifi added: “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.”

This year’s marathon is incorporating several eco-initiatives to promote sustainability.

Kenyan Brigid Kosgei, a two-time winner at both the Chicago and London Marathons, said: “I’m very excited to test myself here in Abu Dhabi. Two of my training mates have both run here and won on these roads, so I want to make my training camp shine