At the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on December 14, 2024. SUPPLIED

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon made history on Saturday (December 14) with its largest turnout ever, drawing over 33,000 runners from around the globe. The sixth edition of the marathon, organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNOC, featured five race categories: the full marathon, marathon relay, 10km, 5km, and 2.5km. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, officially inaugurated the event, signaling the start of the marathon and 10km races. He later crowned the winners alongside key figures from sports organizations, partners, and other dignitaries. “This event is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a global sporting hub,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “The turnout this year reflects the unity and passion for health, fitness, and achievement that transcends boundaries.” In the men’s marathon, Ethiopia’s Chala Ketema Regasa took the gold with a time of 2:06:16, narrowly missing his personal best of 2:06:11. Djibouti’s Ibrahim Hassan Bouh followed close behind, finishing in 2:06:33, while Kenya’s Wilfred Kirwa Kigen secured third place with a time of 2:06:47. The women’s marathon saw a stunning debut victory by Kenya’s Catherine Reline Amanang’ole, who completed the race in 2:20:34. Eritrea’s Dolshi Tesfu Teklegergish finished second at 2:23:47, and Kenya’s Aurelia Jerotich Kiptui claimed third with a time of 2:26:28. The marathon welcomed runners of all skill levels, from elite athletes vying for top honors to families and beginners participating in the shorter race categories. The event featured an electric atmosphere with live music, food stalls, and activities for spectators. The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has steadily grown in popularity since its inception, earning a reputation as one of the premier sporting events in the Middle East. This year’s race emphasized inclusivity, with dedicated categories for wheelchair participants and a focus on community engagement. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page