The huge running event returns to the capital in December
Time to lace up those running shoes because the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is officially coming back.
Registration is now open for the eighth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, with thousands of runners expected to take to the streets of the capital on 12 December 2026.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the annual event has become one of the region’s biggest sporting fixtures, attracting elite athletes, amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts from around the world while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading destination for international sporting events.
How to register for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
Registration for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is now open, and you can sign up via the official website.
Whether you’re an experienced marathon runner or taking part for fun, there’s a race for everyone. Participants can choose from the full 42.195km marathon, 10km, 5km, or the 2.5km family and children’s race, making the event accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
Prices are also currently discounted for early birds:
- 2.5km: AED 52 (discounted from AED65)
- 5km: AED72 (discounted from AED90) – 6 years old and above
- 10km: AED137.60 (discounted from AED172) – 10 years old and above
- Marathon: AED305.60 (discounted from AED382) – 18 years old and above
To help runners prepare, two warm-up races will also be held ahead of the main event, with a 10km race in Al Dhannah on 24 October followed by a 21.1km half marathon in Al Ain on 7 November, giving participants the chance to build their endurance before race day.
Since its debut in 2018, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has grown into one of the Middle East’s premier road-running events. Participation has increased from just over 10,000 runners in its inaugural edition to more than 37,000 participants in the 2025 event, drawing competitors from across the globe and highlighting the capital’s world-class sporting infrastructure and vibrant community spirit.
The celebrations begin well before the starting gun, with the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Fan Village opening on 7 December. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of fitness activities, family-friendly entertainment, interactive experiences and sponsor activations throughout race week, creating a lively festival atmosphere in the lead-up to one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest sporting events of the year.
For further information, visit adnocabudhabimarathon.com
