According to a report by the Emirates News Agency the Abu Dhabi Sports Council has confirmed that the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will begin on December 12 2026 marking its eighth edition since the event launched in 2018. The race organized in partnership with ADNOC will start at Zayed Sports City Stadium with elite runners setting off at approximately 5:45 a.m. and the main field at 6 a.m. This edition has received World Athletics Gold Label status and will feature a flat certified course passing several city landmarks.
The event will offer multiple race distances to suit varying abilities and age groups including the full 42.195-kilometre marathon a two-person relay the 10-kilometre run the 5-kilometre race and a 2.5-kilometre family event. Abu Dhabi Media Office materials detail that the route begins and finishes at the stadium while taking in the Corniche Qasr Al Hosn and areas near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Officials have noted that the format supports broad participation from both local residents and international visitors. The council has also planned for a category dedicated to people of determination.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council figures show the marathon has expanded steadily with more than 10000 runners in the 2018 debut edition and over 16000 the following year. The 2021 race held after a pandemic postponement drew nearly 12000 participants while the 2022 edition surpassed 20000 and 2023 approached 25000. The 2024 running attracted more than 33000 from over 150 nationalities before the 2025 edition set a record above 37000 across all categories.
A Khaleej Times account of the 2025 race reported that Turkey’s Kaan Kigen Özbilen won the men’s marathon in 2:07:27 while Kenya’s Catherine Amanang’ole took the women’s title in 2:21:17. Event records list a men’s course best of 2:04:40 established by Reuben Kipyego in 2019 and a women’s mark of 2:19:15 set by Brigid Kosgei in 2023. The previous edition distributed a prize pool of more than 300000 dollars with each elite category champion receiving 50000 dollars.
Registration for the 2026 marathon opened directly through the official website without a ballot system according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Early-bird entry fees for the full distance start at approximately 305 dirhams and include a race shirt timing services digital photos and a finisher medal. Medical support will be available throughout the course along with refreshment stations for all participants. The event remains a Boston qualifier.
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Fan Village will open on December 7 2026 to launch a week of pre-race activities the organizers stated. The gathering will provide entertainment and information for runners and spectators ahead of the main events. Event officials indicated that final preparations continue to accommodate the anticipated large turnout on race day.
