Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

The third edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is set to take place on Nov.26 2021, as registration commences with attractive early bird discounts.

Organiser, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and race title sponsor, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), announced on Wednesday that the event will take place with robust safety precautions in place to safeguard the health and wellbeing of participants and spectators following the postponement of the 2020 race due to COVID-19.

Taking place ahead of the UAE’s golden jubilee, the 2021 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will celebrate the nation’s journey and achievements while cementing Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a world-class sporting destination.

As title sponsor, the Marathon reinforces ADNOC’s commitment to elevating the health and wellbeing of the community as the company continues to support the UAE’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal #3.

Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC, said: “After the success of the second edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2019, which attracted over 16,500 runners from the UAE and overseas, we look forward to welcoming back all runners this November to compete in the various distances on offer. The public’s health and safety remains our number one priority, and we are confident that the third edition will be another great day out.

“Abu Dhabi is in the process of improving the recovery phase of COVID-19 to become one of the safest destinations in the world, in terms of precautionary measures in dealing with the prevailing pandemic situation, which has largely contributed for the UAE to host a number of world sporting events in recent times.”

As it steps up preparations for the marathon, ADSC is prioritizing the health and welfare of all participants and spectators in close coordination with the relevant government agencies to ensure a successful event.

Yaser Saeed Al Mazrouei, ADNOC Upstream Executive Director, said: “ADNOC continues to place great emphasis on promoting healthy and active lifestyles. Our title sponsorship of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, alongside other sporting initiatives, such as our partnership with TrainYAS and the Daily Mile, embody this commitment and our role at the centre of our community’s social fabric.

“This year’s event will be extra special as it will provide a unique opportunity for the entire community to safely come together in celebration as we mark the UAE’s golden jubilee year.
Race distances ranging from 2.5km, 5km, 10km, marathon relay and the full marathon are available, alongside a training and support programme, so we encourage everyone to participate in what promises to be an exciting marathon and unforgettable multicultural experience.”

Places on the 2021 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon are strictly limited, due to COVId-19 restrictions, and individuals interested are urged to sign up at official website.

By signing up in May participants will also benefit from an early bird discount of 20 per cent. Once registered, runners will receive updates via email and announcements will be communicated through the official website and social media channels.

To ensure runners are well prepared for their chosen race discipline, the hugely popular ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon training programme will return in an expanded format, with tailored sessions and fitness plans for runners in all categories.

The free weekly sessions will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit, as part of the ADNOC TrainYas series, and will be hosted, once again, by Youssef Rochdi, member of the USA Track & Field Association (USATF) and winner of multiple USATF long-distance championships.

Runners who registered to take part in the 2020 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will be automatically registered for the 2021 event, at no additional cost. No further action is required and runners will be contacted to confirm their participation.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

ADSC is aligned to the emirate’s leadership vision to develop sport and youth activities. The Council promotes an effective, emirate-wide sports calendar that stimulates the desire to participate in quality sports among all Abu Dhabi residents and helps the talented and motivated reach their sporting potential.

The sports council supports the organisation and hosting of many international sporting events in Abu Dhabi.

These include the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, UAE Tour, WTA Abu Dhabi International Women's Tennis Championship, World Triathlon Championship, Leaders Sports Business Summit, Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and IJF Abu Dhabi Judo Grand Slam.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, Spartan World Championship, World Swimming Championships, Mubadala World Tennis Championships, and many other international events cement the reputation and position of Abu Dhabi as a global destination for sport.

ADSC believes that global and community sporting events provide many positive opportunities, most notably the encouragement of all segments and groups of society to practice sports activities.

Make the practice of sport a daily lifestyle, representing its positive impact on public health.

ADSC firmly believe that sporting events deliver a host of benefits for the emirate and its residents.

These include improved health and wellness, the building of community spirit, the discovering of local talent and enhancing the reputation of the emirate as a world-class sporting destination.