ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has confirmed that the next edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will take place on Dec. 16, 2023.
Following the announcement by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that 2023 will be the “Year of Sustainability,” the fifth ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will place emphasis on sustainability, with several initiatives focused on minimizing the environmental impact of the event and reducing waste.
“We are thrilled to announce the new ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon date,” said Suhail Abdulla AlAreefi, executive director of the events sector at the ADSC. “The 2022 edition, held on a stunning new city course that covered the UAE capital’s most prominent landmarks, was a huge success, attracting more than 20,000 participants from across the UAE and beyond.”
“The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has cemented its place on the running calendar as a platform to engage in physical activity and pursue a healthy, active lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming even more participants and spectators to the fifth ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.”
Dr. Saif Al-Nasseri, ADNOC’s group human capital director, said: “The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is now established as a major sporting event and we are delighted to kick-start the countdown to this fifth edition. Together with ADSC, we are placing sustainability at the heart of the event and taking measures to ensure an eco-friendlier race.
“ADNOC continues to prioritize sporting initiatives that positively contribute to the well-being of our community, and we are confident that the fifth ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will build on the success of the past four races, inspiring our community to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle.”
As well as the flagship race on Dec. 16, organizers announced that the Marathon Race Series will once again provide year-round engagement and training opportunities, designed to help runners prepare for the main event. The first community race will take place in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 2 and will be a shorter-distance indoor run. The second event is scheduled for Oct. 7 in Al-Ain. The series will conclude on Nov. 4 at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, with a half marathon event.
In preparation for the marathon, a free eight-month training program will be launched after Ramadan. Led by experienced coaches, sessions will be provided across the UAE and are designed to help runners of all levels prepare for their chosen distance.