Run for glory at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023
It’s time to dust off those running shoes and gear up for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023! The 5th edition of this popular event is all set to take place on 16th December 2023. Whether you’re a novice or a pro-runner, register for a category that suits your fitness standards and skills. Our guide has all the details about this extraordinary race.
ALL ABOUT THE ADNOC ABU DHABI MARATHON
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and is expected to be one of the most significant events this year. Prospective racers will be happy to know that children and seniors can participate in the race’s fifth edition.
The marathon isn’t just about winning; it is also a community-based activity and a chance for people to get together with loved ones for fun. ADNOC Marathon 2023 is a lighthearted “fun race for those who just want a good time.”
You will receive your event t-shirts and a race kit if you have already registered for the event. The kit includes a timing tag, bibs and other items.
TYPES OF RACES
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon includes five races. Here is all the information about the races and their entry fee.
MARATHON
The marathon will run through the heart of the capital. As the crowd cheers you on, you will run for 42.195 km alongside major landmarks. The marathon and relay start line is King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street behind ADNOC HQ Tower. The finish point will be the ADNOC HQ South Plaza.
Differently-abled individuals can also take part in the wheelchair race category.
- Entry fee: AED 350 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 06:00 a.m.
MARATHON RELAY TEAMS OF 2
The marathon relay teams of 2 will compete this year at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. Groups of two can run and cover a considerable distance. In fact, the first runner has to complete 22 km, while the second runner will run for about 20 km.
- Entry fee: AED 550 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 06:00 a.m.
10 KM ROAD RACE
This category is for both recreational and short-distance runners. Cover 10 km of the Abu Dhabi Corniche while enjoying the cool weather. The race will start opposite the Al Majlis Street parking lot in front of Nation Towers on the Corniche and end on King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street.
Differently-abled individuals can also take part in the wheelchair race category.
- Entry fee: AED 150 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 06:30 a.m.
5KM ROAD RACE
This one is a good option for those up for a shorter race. It will get you back in the groove to start your regular fitness activities. It has the same start and finish point as the 10km race.
- Entry fee: AED 75 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 09:30 a.m.
2.5KM FUN RUN
This race in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon attracts the largest crowds. Run, walk or jog around the emirate with other runners for company. The event isn’t timed. So, there aren’t any losers – just winners!
- Entry Fee: AED 50 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 08:45 a.m.
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon registration has already started. For more details and information, visit the official website.
TRAINING SESSIONS
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon officials organise different training programmes and workout sessions. Participants can train under expert coaches to prepare for the final race.
If you’re eager for the 5th edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the sponsors have introduced a 3-part Race Series. This series will be held from September to November to assist participants in preparing for the main event on December 16, 2023.
Additionally, there will be free weekly sessions hosted by Youssef Rochdi, a member of the USA Track & Field Association (USATF) and winner of multiple USATF long-distance championships. These sessions will be held in three locations:
- Abu Dhabi: Every Tuesday at Zayed Sports City
- Dubai: Every Wednesday at Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha
- Al Ain: Every Tuesday at Al Wadi Park
THE ROUTE
One of the main aims of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023 is to introduce the UAE capital to the world, mainly the iconic landmarks around which the route is designed.
Although the Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023 route has not been confirmed yet, it’s expected to follow the same route as the 4th edition. The marathon will start at the ADNOC HQ with direct views of the Founder’s Memorial. Other races, like the 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km run, will begin from 18th Street.
The marathon participants will run along the Corniche, work around Qasr Al Hosn and pass by Emirates Heritage Village. Afterwards, they will run past the Marina Mall and reach King Abdullah Street before returning to the Corniche. The finish line is in the ADNOC HQ event village.
The short-distance races will start at the Nation Towers’ front on Corniche Road and end on Al Marsan Street. Similarly, the 10 KM race will also conclude at the ADNOC Campus.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Anyone from the ages of 6 to 70 can register for the marathon. So this indeed can be a fun activity for all.
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon follows the guidelines of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC). The focus is on ensuring the safety of all participants and organisers.
FAQs About the Abu Dhabi Marathon
WHAT IS THE PRIZE FOR THE WINNER?
The official website has not announced the Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023 prize money. We’ll update the section as soon as the prize is decided.
IS THERE A CUT-OFF POINT FOR THE MARATHON?
There is an official six-hour finish time. Participants wishing to continue and finish the race must do so on footpaths.
WILL THERE BE DOPE TESTING?
Those who take part in timed races will be tested. Anyone who fails a drug test will not be entitled to the prize money.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE MARATHON?
Marathons test your physical strength. So it would be best if you prepared for the race in advance. This includes physical training, eating right, cardiac screening and regular running practice.
Please consult your doctor if you have a medical condition before registering for the event.*
WILL THERE BE A BUS SERVICE FOR PARTICIPANTS LIVING IN DUBAI
Only those participating in Marathons and 10km races can use this facility. The bus services DXB-AUH-DXB will collect participants from Ibn Battuta Metro Station and drop them back after the event. Please note you will have to pay AED 60 for this service.
This concludes our guide to the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023. The event holds great cultural significance in promoting the capital to the rest of the world. It also helps to increase awareness about health and fitness amongst the country’s residents.
To prepare for the event, you can join any of the top gyms in Abu Dhabi. Female participants can find dedicated ladies’ gyms in Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, you can build stamina on the excellent jogging tracks in Abu Dhabi.
Regardless of the final result, running a marathon is a matter of personal pride and will give you a sense of achievement. Will this be the year for you?
Title Image Credit: ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon official website.