Abu Dhabi Marathon returns on December 12

Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the 8th edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on December 12, 2026. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) has officially opened registration for the highly anticipated event, which serves as a major highlight on the emirate's sporting calendar. The marathon is designed to unite elite international runners with thousands of participants from diverse nationalities and age groups, underscoring Abu Dhabi's role as a global center for prominent sporting competitions.

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The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has become one of the region’s leading annual sporting events and reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of enhancing quality of life while promoting a culture of sport and physical activity across society.

The organization of the marathon is a key component of the ADSC's broader strategy to foster a vibrant sports culture and encourage physical activity throughout the community. By supporting healthy lifestyles, the council aims to inspire residents to embrace sports as an integral and sustainable part of their lives. The event offers a comprehensive range of race categories, including the full marathon (42.195 km), a 10 km race, a 5 km race, and a 2.5 km family and children's race, ensuring inclusivity for all.

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Organising the preparatory races in Al Dhannah and Al Ain Region aligns with the council’s strategy to expand sports participation and reach communities across different areas of the emirate, while helping runners improve their readiness and achieve their best performance in the main marathon.

In preparation for the main event, ADSC will conduct two preparatory races. The first is scheduled for October 24 in Al Dhannah, featuring a 10 km distance, followed by a second race in Al Ain Region on November 7, which will cover a half marathon distance of 21.1 kilometers. These events provide participants with crucial opportunities to gauge their fitness and refine their training ahead of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.

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The event continues to attract growing numbers of participants from within the UAE and abroad year after year, thanks to Abu Dhabi’s world-class sports infrastructure and advanced organisational expertise.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the ADSC, emphasized the marathon's significant growth and its status as a leading annual sporting event in the region. He highlighted how the preparatory races align with the council's objective to broaden sports participation across different areas of the emirate. Al Awani expressed confidence in Abu Dhabi's capacity to host an exceptional event, leveraging its advanced infrastructure and organizational expertise to maintain its prominent position on the international sporting stage.

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He emphasised the commitment to delivering an exceptional edition that reflects the emirate’s leading position on the global sporting map.