The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have inaugurated the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, which will be held, for the first time, on December 7th, 2018.
A three-year partnership agreement, conferring naming rights for the event to ADNOC, which will serve as Title Sponsor, was signed between Aref Hamad Al Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, executive office director at ADNOC. The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will position the UAE’s capital city on the global athletics calendar, while promoting wellness in the local community and participation at all levels.
Major general Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithy, chairman of the General Authority for Sports, said the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is the latest addition to the ever-growing list of international sporting events to arrive in Abu Dhabi.
“It may be the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, but it will be second to none among established international marathons around the world,” major general Al Rumaithy said. “We expect a world-class elite field and participation of thousands of runners at various levels.”
Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, chairman of the Department of Community Development, praised the efforts of all those involved in bringing the first marathon race to Abu Dhabi.
“The races are open for all categories and provide the opportunity for community participation. The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is an event that the entire family can appreciate, not only by participating in the races, but by enjoying the various side events at the Marathon Village,” Al Khaili said.
At the signing ceremony, Aref Al Awani said: “The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon adds a new international sporting event to our calendar of events and will leave behind a legacy that the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is very keen to promote as part of our community sports programming.”
The race will be held over the traditional 26 miles, 385 yards course showcasing the city of Abu Dhabi to a global audience. In recognition of the Year of Zayed, the race will bring together elite international athletes, seasoned amateur runners and thousands of people taking part in their first marathon. It will offer runners of all abilities the chance to participate in a range of events from 2.5 kilometre and 5 kilometre fun runs, to a ten kilometre event and the full-distance marathon.
Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi said: “ADNOC is excited to play a part in bringing such an iconic event, the marathon, to Abu Dhabi. Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is built on a shared commitment to elevating the health and well-being of individuals and embodies ADNOC’s historical dedication to supporting the communities in which we operate.
“Whether it’s through sporting and recreation, health and wellness, or youth and STEM education, ADNOC’s corporate social responsibility and purpose remains firm: to create a positive and lasting impact on UAE society,” Al Suwaidi said.
