Are you ready for the first ever 42km run around the capital?

Even though the mere thought of running more than a kilometre may exhaust you, watching a sea of people push through a 42km course is actually quite something, especially in a city that’s never hosted one before.

On December 7, the capital hosts the inaugural ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon – a huge feat for the country, drawing elite athletes from across the globe as well as thousands of amateur runners from the UAE and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where does the race begin?
Runners need to meet at the Abu Dhabi Corniche outside the ADNOC headquarters.

What times does the Abu Dhabi Marathon start?
The warm-up begins at 5.30am, with the race set to begin at 6am.

What is the marathon route?
Participants follow a route towards the Emirates Heritage Village before making their way around Marina Mall, along King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud street, and on to Qasr Al Hosn, one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautifully maintained stone buildings. The final stretch of the race runs through Mina Zayed, before returning to ADNOC HQ.

What about the prize money?
There’s a total prize fund of $379,000 (Dhs1.3 million) spread across the race categories – $100,000 (Dhs367,000) will be awarded to the respective winners of the men’s and women’s races.

Are there other race distance options?
Yes! There will be three other races held on the day: 10km (6am), 5km (10am) and 2.5km (10am). Entry fees range from Dhs50-75 for shorter 2.5m and 5km fun runs, Dhs150 for the 10km and Dhs350 for the marathon itself.

December 7
Abu Dhabi Corniche, from 5.30am. adnocabudhabimarathon.com

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