With the participation of elite international runners and various community segments… The seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon kicks off tomorrow

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025 will be held tomorrow, Saturday, 13 December, featuring a large turnout of elite international and professional runners as well as participants from all community groups. This major sporting event aims to encourage individuals to prioritize sport and adopt a healthy, active lifestyle.

The seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon will begin with the Elite Marathon race over a distance of 42.195 km at 05:45 AM, while the marathon for various age groups and the two-runner relay race will start at 06:00 AM from Zayed Sports City. Runners will pass by some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks, including Capital Gate, ADNOC Headquarters , Abu Dhabi Corniche, Qasr Al Hosn, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, before returning to Zayed Sports City for the finish line.

The 10 km race will start at 06:15 AM, while the 5 km and 2.5 km races will begin at 06:00 AM, in support of raising sports awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle — reflecting the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s commitment to encouraging positive sporting practices and reducing health risk factors.

The total prize fund for the races exceeds USD 300,000, with the Elite Marathon champion awarded USD 50,000 and the Elite female winner receiving the same prize. The top winners in the wheelchair category for both men and women will each receive USD 3,150, in addition to prizes for second and third places and awards for the 10 km race.

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Village will open on race day at the park behind ADNOC Headquarters from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, featuring sponsor and partner pavilions, fitness and yoga sessions, various sports activities, children’s recreation zones, live music, and entertainment shows.

A press conference for the elite international runners participating in the event was held on 11 December 2025 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; H.E Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Council; Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events; and Khalid Al Hosani, Senior Vice President of General &Medical  Services at ADNOC.

This year’s marathon features a distinguished field of elite runners in both the men’s and women’s categories, with internationally accomplished athletes competing for top honors.

The women’s elite field includes Kenyan runner Katherine Amanang’oli, with a personal best of 2:20:34 and the 2024 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion, as well as fellow Kenyan Sandra­flies Toy, with a best of 2:22:22, and Eritrean star Dolchi Tekleghir­gish, with a personal best of 2:20:42 and 2024 Abu Dhabi Marathon runner-up.

In the men’s elite category, standout competitors include Kenyan Eric Keptanoy, with a personal best of 2:05:42 and third place at the 2021 Chicago Marathon; Turkish runner Kaan Ozbilin, one of the world’s fastest marathoners with a time of 2:04:16 and top finishes in Valencia, Rotterdam, and Barcelona; and Kenyan Mike Boit, with a personal best of 2:06:08 and second place finishes at the Seoul Marathon in 2022 and 2023.

Talal Al Hashmi praised the partnership between the Council and ADNOC, affirming that it has produced a world-class marathon that reflects the UAE’s best civilizational image and promotes meaningful gatherings that spread messages of happiness, tolerance, coexistence, love, peace, and harmony in a society that embraces diverse cultures.

Al Hashmi welcomed the elite athletes participating in the seventh edition of this global sporting event, which has become one of the most prominent international events on the UAE and Abu Dhabi sports calendar. “We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, partners, and everyone involved in organizing this event, and we offer special appreciation to the elite athletes for their efforts and the inspiration they bring to future generations,” he said.

Saif Al Falahi, Acting Director, People, National Identity & Business Support, ADNOC, said: “This year’s ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon promises to be a spectacular celebration of community, fitness and resilience and we look forward to welcoming participants and their friends and families to an unforgettable race day.”

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 (Nissan Dealer), Barakat, Fulville, Steigen, Marutin, Filipino Times, and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.