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 again.
“I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi before, but I can see it’s a very nice track. I have come here to run the marathon and win the race. I want to take the medal this year.”
Emily Kipchumba, a Kenyan long distance runner, said: “I love to run in Abu Dhabi as it is a very good place to be. I’m very happy to close my marathon season here in Abu Dhabi. I’m well prepared and I hope to run my personal best. I get a lot of motivation from running against Brigid.”
Kenya’s Paul Kipngetich Tanui, a silver medalist at the Rio Olympics in 2016, had a powerful message for his fellow runners ahead of the grueling race on Saturday.
“The Abu Dhabi Marathon has always been one of my favorite races,” Tanui told a press conference.
“The marathon is a challenge and a great opportunity for us all. When we start running and begin chalking off those miles, I know it will motivate us to keep going — especially when we see everyone on the road supporting us. This is a journey and we must finish.”
Meanwhile, Ozbilen, a middle distance runner, is in positive spirits ahead of his first-ever marathon appearance this weekend. He said: “It’s my first marathon and I’ll be expecting to run good. I have a good feeling about this place, so I hope everything will go well.”
Kwemoi, who won his first marathon in April, is also looking forward to running in the UAE capital once more. He said: “I am happy to come to Abu Dhabi for the marathon. It is good to be back here again.”
The Abu Dhabi race caters to various fitness levels, offering categories including the marathon (42.195 km), marathon relay, 10 km, 5 km and 2.5 km. All races will begin at different locations near the ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road and finish at the ADNOC Campus, near Bainuna Public Park.
