Inaugural ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon to take place on December 7

Sport360 staff 17:41 20/09/2018
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  • Paul Tergat (2nd r), the Kenyan former marathon world record holder, designed the route.

    The inaugural ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will take place on December 7 this year, with details of the race route officially unveiled on Wednesday.

    Co-organisers the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) revealed Emporio Armani EA7 as the official technical sponsor as well as details of the prize fund for the race.

    The 42.195-kilometer marathon and the 10km race will both be timed and will see the participation of serious runners from different age groups and skill levels, while the 5km race and 2.5km ‘fun run’ will give participants of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get involved in the event.

    The $379,000 prize fund will be spread across all the race categories, with $100,000 awarded to each of the male and female winners of the full-distance race, $25,000 for runners-up in each, and $15,000 for third place.

    A $3,150 cash prize will also be awarded to the male and female winners of the wheelchair category.

    Paul Tergat, the Kenyan former marathon world record holder, designed the route and expressed his pride in doing so.

    Abu Dhabi Marathon route

    “Designing the route was an interesting yet challenging task,” said the 49-year-old, who also won silver in the 10,000 metres at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.

    “We wanted participants to run by the capital city’s greatest landmarks and enjoy the scenery in an interesting way.

    “The route is a mixture of modern stations and some of UAE’s oldest and most-respected landmarks, providing a great opportunity for participants and supporters to experience new adventures and visit new places.”

    Participants will begin the marathon outside the ADNOC Headquarters, on Abu Dhabi’s famed Corniche, and follow a route towards the Emirates Heritage Village.

    They then make their way around Marina Mall, along King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud street, and on to Qasr Al Hosn, one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most beautifully maintained stone buildings.

    The final stretch of the race runs through Mina Zayed, before returning to ADNOC HQ.

    Speaking at ADNOC Headquarters, Aref Al Awani, general secretary of the ADSC, said: “Securing our partnership with Emporio Armani EA7 and unveiling the prize fund of the inaugural ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is a significant milestone in cementing the marathon as a world-class event and supports the sports council’s vision in promoting health and wellness.

    “This event offers a great opportunity for participants to tour Abu Dhabi and see its amazing wonders.

    “I would like to express my gratitude to our technical sponsor, Emporio Armani EA7, for supporting this event and working with us, hand-in-hand, to promote this vision in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole.”

    The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has been running since 2000.

    The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon has been running since 2000.

    Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, executive office director at ADNOC, added: “The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon serves as testament to Abu Dhabi’s global reputation as host of some of the world’s most iconic events, reinforcing its position on the international sporting map.

    “ADNOC is proud to bring this great event to the UAE’s capital city, and we encourage everyone, in the UAE and beyond, to get involved – whether competing, volunteering or cheering on friends and family.”

    In preparation for the marathon, a weekly community training camp initiative will take place every Monday at Zayed Sports City.

    Participants have just under three months to physically prepare, sharpen their skills and mindset and lift their spirits before tackling one of the several races taking place.

    To find out more about the training camps or races – or for details on how to sign up – visit www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com.

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