Shorter races at ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2021 extended to runners aged from 6-70

ABU DHABI: The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and accompanying shorter-distance races will now be open to all runners from ages six to 70, organizer Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced.

The race, sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., will take place on Nov. 26.

With the expanded age categories, families are being encouraged to participate in the 2.5-kilometer or 5-km runs, while more experienced runners can tackle the 10-km, full 42.2-km marathon races, and new for 2021, the marathon relay for teams of two.

Whether the runners choose to run or walk the 2.5-km, 5-km, and 10-km races, they will start at 18th Street then head out along the Corniche and loop around Qasr Al-Hosn, one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest historical stone buildings. Runners will then pass the Emirates Heritage Village, before making their way behind Marina Mall and up and down King Abdullah Street, before returning to the Corniche for a final loop of Qasr Al-Hosn.

The marathon will take place with safety precautions in place, requiring participants over 16 years old to show proof of a full coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination and a negative polymerase chain reaction test taken within 48 hours of the event. Those under 16 years old will need to show a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of the event.

Runners who registered to take part in the 2020 event will be automatically included for this year at no additional cost. No further action will be required, and runners will be contacted to confirm their participation.