October 11, 2026

ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon to Feature New Coastal Route

Abu Dhabi:The eighth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is set to take place on December 12, beginning at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This event will bring together elite international runners and thousands of participants from various nationalities and age groups.

According to Emirates News Agency, this year's marathon will offer a scenic coastal route, combining competitive racing with community participation. The Abu Dhabi Marathon Village will be located at ADNOC Headquarters Park along the Corniche, opening on December 7, five days before the main race.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted that the Corniche starting point would provide a distinctive element to the marathon. He expressed anticipation for delivering an exceptional experience for both runners and spectators, showcasing the event's progress over seven successful editions and aligning with its growing participation within the UAE and internationally.

The Marathon Village is expected to transform the event into a week-long celebration, engaging runners, spectators, and families ahead of the race day. The marathon is part of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council's initiative to encourage physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and solidify the capital's status as a hub for major international sporting events.

Participants in the eighth edition can choose from a 42.195-kilometre marathon, a two-person marathon relay, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races, and a 2.5-kilometre race for families and children. In preparation, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council will organize two preparatory races a 10-kilometre race in Al Dhannah City on October 24 and a 21.1-kilometre half-marathon in Al Ain on November 7.

Since its inception in 2018, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has seen consistent growth, with the seventh edition attracting over 37,000 runners.