Abu Dhabi Marathon Grows Bigger

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNOC, showcased five race categories and offered a total prize pool of €285,662.

Participants competed in the full marathon, marathon relay, 10km, 5km, and 2.5km races.

The event was inaugurated by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and High Technology, who also signaled the start of the marathon and 10km races.

He later joined other sports officials, partners, and supporting organization representatives to crown the winners.

The marathon began at ADNOC's headquarters on King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, taking runners past notable Abu Dhabi landmarks such as Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama, and ADNOC Tower.

In the men's category, Regasa narrowly missed his personal best, finishing in 2:06:11. Second place went to Djibouti's Ibrahim Hassan Bouh with a time of 2:06:33, while Kenya's Wilfred Kirwa Kigen finished third in 2:06:47.

The women's race was dominated by Kenya's Amanang in her marathon debut. Eritrea's Dolshi Tesfu Teklegergish finished second in 2:23:47, and Kenya's Aurelia Jerotich Kiptui claimed third with a time of 2:26:28.

For the 10km race, Morocco's Yassir Echchaachoui clocked 28:41 to secure first place, followed by compatriot Ismail El Kharchi (29:01) and Ethiopia's Urgesa Kitesa (29:03).

Ethiopia's Gemene Tunku won the women's 10km with a time of 32:40, ahead of Morocco's Rkia Elmoukim (33:01) and Ethiopia's Ayantu Kumsa (34:09).

The 10km wheelchair category saw Emirati champion Saeed Aldhaheri take first place in 19:46, followed by fellow Emiratis Ayed Alahbabi and Theban Almheiri, who placed second and third respectively.

Approximately 4,000 runners participated in the full marathon and relay, while 7,000 joined the 10km event, 10,000 participated in the 5km race, and 12,000 competed in the 2.5km category.

The winners of the 42km marathon were awarded €47,622 each, with prizes also distributed to winners of other categories, including wheelchair races.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, remarked, "The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has established itself as a prominent event that not only fosters a culture of fitness but also reinforces Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for sports.

The participation of over 33,000 people this year reflects the community's commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle."

Source: insidethegames

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