Abu dhabi: Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced the opening of registration for the 8th edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, scheduled for December 12, 2026. The event will bring elite international runners and thousands of participants from various nationalities and age groups together in a prominent community and international sporting event on Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar.
According to Emirates News Agency, the marathon is part of the council's efforts to promote sports and physical activity, reinforce Abu Dhabi's status as a global destination for major sporting events, and encourage a healthy lifestyle among community members. The marathon features race categories for all participants, including a full marathon, a ten-kilometre race, a five-kilometre race, and a two-and-a-half-kilometre family and children's race, fostering community-wide participation.
Preparations for the marathon include two preparatory races, providing runners with opportunities to assess their fitness levels. The first race is set for October 24, 2026, in Al Dhannah, with a principal distance of 10 km. The second race will take place on November 7, 2026, in the Al Ain Region, featuring a half marathon distance of 21.1 kilometres.
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is expected to attract elite runners and amateurs globally, building on its strong reputation for excellence in organisation and community engagement. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated that the marathon is a leading annual sporting event in the region, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision of enhancing quality of life through sports.
Al Awani highlighted the strategy of expanding sports participation across different emirate areas and supporting runners in improving their readiness for the main marathon. The event continues to draw growing numbers of participants, supported by Abu Dhabi's world-class sports infrastructure.
Since its inception in 2018, the marathon has seen increased participation, with over 37,000 runners in the seventh edition, reflecting its growing stature among leading road-running races. The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Fan Village will open on December 7, 2026, offering a range of activities and creating a vibrant festival atmosphere ahead of the marathon.