Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025 Draws Record 37,000 Participants, Upholds City’s Sporting Excellence
The seventh edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025 saw a remarkable turnout with over 37,000 participants competing across all race categories: the full marathon, relay marathon, 10-kilometre, 5-kilometre, 2.5-kilometre races, and a dedicated category for People of Determination. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council with main sponsorship from ADNOC, this event further cemented Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading global sports destination.
The marathon commenced at 05:45 from Zayed Sports City, echoing the capital’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sporting culture and advocating a healthy lifestyle for its residents. Participation figures were significant: 5,000 runners in the marathon and relay, 8,000 in the 10-kilometre, 11,000 in the 5-kilometre, and 13,000 in the 2.5-kilometre races.
Among the highlights in the elite men’s marathon, Turkey’s Kaan Kigen Özbilen clinched top honours with a time of 2:07:27, trailed by an athlete from Ethiopia in second place (2:08:09) and Kenya’s Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi in third (2:08:32). The women’s marathon saw Kenya’s Catherine Reline Amanangole seal her second consecutive victory, finishing in 2:21:17, ahead of fellow Kenyan Edna Kiplagat and Ethiopia’s Bortukan Yifru. In the wheelchair category, France’s Laurent Lepolite finished first with a strong 1:59:00.
Runners enjoyed a scenic route that showcased Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, including Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama, ADNOC Headquarters, and Capital Gate.
In the 10-kilometre race, Ethiopia’s Leta Mamo emerged victorious in the men’s category (29:21), while compatriot Berhan Arigawi topped the women’s leaderboard (37:52).
The event boasted a total prize pool exceeding US$300,000. Both the men’s and women’s elite marathon champions received US$50,000 each, while the wheelchair category winner claimed US$3,150, with further awards distributed among top finishers across categories.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the marathon has become a major sporting event that promotes healthy and active lifestyles, enhances quality of life in Abu Dhabi and strengthens the emirate’s position as a global destination for international sporting events.
The event benefited from the support of major partners and sponsors, including ADNOC, Nike, Tadweer Group, National Health Insurance Company – Daman, Burjeel Medical City, Vitamin Well, Al Ain Water, Al Masaood Automobiles, Barakat, Fulfill, Steigen, Marutin, Filipino Times, and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.
The eighth edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon is set for 12th December 2026, promising another exciting chapter in the emirate’s sporting journey.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
