Abu Dhabi Marathon Starts Today

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is set to take place on December 14, bringing together over 33,000 participants, including elite international athletes, professionals, and community enthusiasts.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), this sixth edition marks the largest community sports event along Abu Dhabi's waterfront.

The marathon seeks to enhance the local sports scene, elevate the UAE’s presence on the global sports stage, and encourage the community to prioritize health and an active lifestyle.

The 42.195 km marathon and relay race for both men and women will kick off at 6:00 am from ADNOC Headquarters on Corniche Road.

Participants will traverse some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic landmarks, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Bateen Palace, Qasr Al Hosn, and the World Trade Centre, with the finish line set at the ADNOC Campus near Baynunah Public Park.

Other races include a 10 km race starting at 6:30 am, a 2.5 km race at 8:45 am, and a 5 km race at 9:30 am.

These events promote a culture of sports and healthier living, aligning with the shared mission of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNOC to support positive health habits and address wellness challenges in the community.

This year’s prize pool exceeds $300,000. The winners of the Elite Male and Female Marathon categories will each receive $50,000.

Additionally, the top three winners in the Marathon Wheelchair category will receive a total of $3,150 per gender.

Cash prizes are also awarded to the top three winners of the 10 km Wheelchair races for both men and women.

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Sports Village, located behind the ADNOC Tower in the park, will be open between 4:00 am and 2:00 pm.

The Village will feature sponsor and supporter booths, yoga and fitness classes, children’s activities, sports entertainment, and live music performances.

During a press conference hosted at the Marathon Village on Thursday, Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, applauded the collaboration between the Council and ADNOC.

He described the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon as a celebration of the UAE’s values of happiness, tolerance, and coexistence, noting that it promotes cultural unity and harmony.

Awani also welcomed the event’s elite athletes and expressed his appreciation for the sponsors and contributors.

He stated, “We extend a special thank you to the elite runners with us today for being a source of inspiration for future generations.”

Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Executive Director of People, Commercial, and Corporate, commented, “This year’s ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is set to be an extraordinary celebration of community, fitness, and resilience.

We look forward to seeing participants, along with their friends and families, enjoy an unforgettable race day.”

Luca Onofrio, Head of Mass Events at RCS Sports and Events, remarked, “Every year, we aim to enhance the experience, and 2024 is no different.

With over 33,000 participants and a remarkable lineup of elite athletes, we’re confident this year’s event will deliver a seamless and memorable marathon.

Our ultimate objective is to inspire more people to lead healthy and active lives.”

Ethiopian runner Chala Ketema, one of the competitors, said, “I’m thrilled to participate in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.

I’m ready to compete and aim for a personal best, especially with the incredible atmosphere and excellent organization of this event.”

Source: gulftoday

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