Run for glory at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025
Get ready to lace up your trainers and join the excitement of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025! This much-loved annual event invites runners of all levels to take part in a truly inspiring race through the capital. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned athlete, there’s a category to match every pace and goal. Here’s everything you need to know before hitting the starting line.
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 seventh 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 2025 is a lighthearted “fun race for those who just want a good time.”
However, this time, there is a new venue for the race village, Zayed Sports City!
If you have already registered for the ADNOC Marathon Abu Dhabi, you’ll soon receive your event t-shirts and a race kit. The kit includes a timing tag, bibs and other items.
Abu Dhabi Marathon dates 2025 are as follows:
- Al Dhannah Flat Out 10km: 18th October 2025
- Al Ain Half Marathon 21 KM: 8th November 2025
- ADNOC Abu Dhabi Full Marathon: 13th December 2025
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 382 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 06:00 am
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 592 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 06:00 am
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 172 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 06:30 am
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 90 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 09:30 am
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 65 (Excluding VAT)
- Start time: 08:45 am
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon registration has already started. For more details and information, visit the official website.
Special Olympics and Paralympics
Special Olympics: Participants may register for the 2.5km distance by selecting the 2.5km Special Olympics Category on the registration homepage. Those wishing to join a longer race should first register under this category, then email info@adnocabudhabimarathon.com
with their personal details to request a distance change. A valid medical certificate is required for any race exceeding 5km.
Paralympic athletes can register for any distance free of charge. Simply choose the preferred distance and upload a valid POD card during registration. A medical certificate is also required for distances beyond 5km.
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 to participate in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, free training sessions will be held from September to December at the following location and timings:
- Abu Dhabi:
- Zayed Sports City Track: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 07:30 pm
- Al Bateen Beach parking: Saturdays at 05:15 am
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Saturdays at 05:00 pm
- Al Ain:
- Al Wadi park: Mondays and Thursdays at 07:00 pm
- Tawyyea: Saturdays at 05:00 am
- Al Dhafrah:
- Marabiaa AI Dhafra Track: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 08:00 pm
- Marabiaa AI Dhafra Track: Saturdays at 05:00 am
THE ROUTE
One of the main aims of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025 is to introduce the UAE capital to the world, particularly the iconic landmarks that form the basis of the route.
The Abu Dhabi Marathon route 2025 will be similar to the last race. The marathon will start at the ADNOC HQ, with direct views of the Founder’s Memorial. The participants will then pass by the Capital Gate, Zayed Sports City and will complete 20 km near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The marathon participants will run along the Corniche, work around Qasr Al Hosn, pass by Emirates Heritage Village and finally reach the finish line at ADNOC Tower.
FAQs
What is the prize money for the Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025?
The Abu Dhabi Marathon prize money 2025 hasn’t been announced yet. However, the total prize money for the marathon is expected to exceed $300,000.
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.*
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE RACE PACK?
The Race Packs for the 2025 event will include:
- Official race kit: Nike-branded T-shirt, race bib and race bag.
- Commemorative finisher’s medal.
- Official timekeeping, including split times.
- Digital race results and downloadable certificate.
- Free post-race photo download.
- Multiple refreshment stations along the course and at the finish.
- Medical and first-aid support throughout the race.
- Access to the Race Village, featuring sponsor booths, entertainment zones, fitness classes, kids’ activities and live music
CAN DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PERSONS PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE?
This concludes our guide to the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025. But if you are living in the neighbouring emirate and looking to participate in running events, here’s a complete list of upcoming marathons in Dubai.
Nevertheless, the Abu Dhabi Marathon holds great cultural significance in promoting the capital to the rest of the world. It also helps 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 Facebook Page.
