Abu Dhabi Marathon: Thrilling Race Attracts Thousands

Abu Dhabi Marathon: Over 37,000 Participants, Over a Million Dirhams in Prizes

The capital of the United Arab Emirates has once again proven that it is not just a political and economic hub, but also a symbol of sports and healthy living in the region. The seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon has generated immense interest this year: more than 37,000 participants entered various distances, from the full marathon to the 2.5-kilometer race. The event featured not only amateur runners but also elite athletes, wheelchair participants, and athletes in the “People of Determination” category.

An Event That Builds Community

The marathon kicked off at 5:45 a.m. from the Zayed Sports City, which is not only a well-known sports complex but also a defining location of Abu Dhabi’s sports culture. The event aimed to promote not just competition but also the popularization of sports and physical activity, and to encourage a healthy lifestyle. The huge number of participants shows that people living in the United Arab Emirates—whether locals or expatriates—are becoming more open to making sports a part of their daily lives.

By the Numbers: The Race

Among the more than 37,000 starters, about 5,000 took part in the full marathon or its relay version, while 8,000 ran the 10-kilometer course, 11,000 participated in the 5-kilometer race, and the 2.5-kilometer event saw 13,000 runners. These figures demonstrate that the Abu Dhabi Marathon is now not just a gathering for elite athletes but a true community event.

World-Class Results in Elite Categories

In the men's marathon, Kaan Kigen Özbilen, competing for Turkey, triumphed with a fantastic time of 2:07:27. An Ethiopian runner finished second, while Kenyan Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi secured the third spot on the podium. In the women's field, Kenyan Catherine Reline Amanangole defended her title, breaking the tape first again with a time of 2:21:17. Her compatriot Edna Kiplagat followed, and an Ethiopian runner, Bortukan Yifru, took third.

In the wheelchair category, Frenchman Laurent Lepolite triumphed with a time of 1:59:00, while the 10-kilometer race winners were also from Ethiopia: Leta Mamo (29:21) and Berhan Arigawi (37:52) took first place.

Financially Impressive Prizes

The Abu Dhabi Marathon is not just a prestigious sporting event but also noteworthy financially. The total prize amount exceeded 1.1 million dirhams, or over 300,000 U.S. dollars. The winners of the elite men's and women's marathon each took home 183,625 dirhams, while the winner of the wheelchair category won 11,568 dirhams. In addition, other prizes were also awarded to second and third-place finishers, and to the top performers in the 10-kilometer race.

The City as a Backdrop: Spectacular Course

The race route led past Abu Dhabi's most famous landmarks, providing runners with not only a physical challenge but also visual treats. The course highlighted sites such as the historic Qasr Al Hosn, the monumental Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Wahat Al Karama memorial, the ADNOC headquarters, and the architecturally striking Capital Gate building.

Sports Diplomacy and Tourism: Abu Dhabi’s New Face

The marathon reaches beyond sports: it also serves as a tool for the United Arab Emirates and particularly Abu Dhabi to further strengthen its position in the international sports scene. The event’s organizer, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized that the event’s purpose is not only to promote the importance of health and movement but also to ensure that the emirate remains an attractive destination for the world's most significant sporting events. The event couldn't have been organized on such a grand scale without the support of ADNOC and numerous partners and volunteers.

The Future Already Confirmed

The date for the next, eighth Abu Dhabi Marathon has already been announced: December 12, 2026. This indicates that the race’s organization is planning long-term, and the event has become a staple on the Emirates’ sports calendar.

Conclusion

The Abu Dhabi Marathon is an event that not only challenges athletes but also mobilizes the entire community. The professional execution of the event, significant cash prizes, iconic route, and international recognition all show that Abu Dhabi truly aspires to rise among the world’s sports capitals. The joy of running, supporting a healthy lifestyle, and community building are all part of this inspiring event, consistently proving: in the United Arab Emirates, sport is more than a hobby—it's a way of life.

(Source based on an Abu Dhabi Sports Council statement.)