Registration is now open for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, which returns on December 12, 2026, with race categories for elite runners, families and beginners.
ABU DHABI: Runners can now sign up for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, which returns for its eighth edition on December 12, 2026. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with ADNOC, the event is expected to bring together thousands of runners from the UAE and around the world.
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply looking for a fun day out, the marathon offers something for everyone. Participants can choose from the full 42.195km marathon, a 10km race, a 5km race, or a 2.5km family and children’s run.
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To help runners get race-ready, two warm-up events have also been announced. The first takes place in Al Dhannah on October 24, featuring a 10km race, while the second will be held in Al Ain on November 7, with a half marathon covering 21.1km. These events are designed to help participants build confidence and prepare for race day.
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has become one of the region’s biggest running events since it first launched in 2018. It started with more than 10,000 participants and has continued to grow every year. The most recent edition attracted over 37,000 runners, highlighting its popularity among both professional athletes and community runners.
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Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the marathon reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles while strengthening its reputation as a global sports destination. He added that organising preparatory races in different parts of the emirate supports the council’s goal of encouraging more people to take part in sport.
The celebrations will begin before race day with the opening of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Fan Village on December 7. Visitors can enjoy sports activities, entertainment, family experiences and interactive events throughout race week, creating a festival atmosphere ahead of the marathon.
With race options for all ages and fitness levels, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon continues to grow as one of the UAE’s biggest community sporting events and a key date on Abu Dhabi’s annual sporting calendar.
