Titus Ekiru, Reuben Kiprop Kipyego and Abel Kirui pose for a picture after the press conference.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Organiser, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and race title sponsor, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), on Wednesday welcomed five international elite athletes to Abu Dhabi, set to compete in the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon on Friday.

The international athletes were welcomed at a press conference held at Abu Dhabi Sports Council headquarters with notable attendees including elite runners Titus Ekiru, Reuben Kiprop Kipyego, Abel Kirui, Eunice Chumba, Sharon Cherop and Alemu Megertu, as well as Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Andrea Trabuio, Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon Race Director and Federico Rosa, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Athlete Manager.

During the event, additional top-ranking athletes were also confirmed to join the race, all vying for the top spot in the third edition of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, including Barnabas Kiptum, Philemon Rono Cherop, Abdi Asefa Kebede, Shumi Dechasa Leche and Thomas Kiplagat, bringing the total to 35 elites runners confirmed. Spectators can expect an exciting showdown on race day with star athlete, Reuben Kiprop Kipyego, returning to the capital to defend his Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon crown, following his win in 2019.

Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: ‘The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has undoubtedly established itself for its great community value and accompanying events as the ideal competition for top runners from across the world to compete in, as well as an added attraction for community members to partake in.

As we celebrate the milestone year of the 50th, we welcome all participants taking part in this world class event, which will see 12,000 participate, as established by our set capacity”. He added: “We are confident that the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon will see more world records broken and look forward to celebrating those achievements.’’

Commenting on his upcoming participation on Friday, Ekiru stated, “I am happy and proud to be in Abu Dhabi and I cannot wait to compete in the race on Friday. My overall goal is to beat my personal best and I am aiming for a record time of 2:02:00. The course this year is fast and flat, so I am confident I can achieve this goal.’’

Over 12,000 participants have now signed up, and the registration has been closed. Open to ages between 6 to 70 and runners of all fitness levels, the family-friendly event aims to promote healthy lifestyles and elevate the physical wellbeing of Abu Dhabi.