ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2026

The 2.5 km and 5 km races use multiple starting waves. Participants receive their assigned wave by email and on their race bib.

Because race-day arrangements can change, participants should check their official event communications before travelling to the start area.

What Is the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon?

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is a community-focused running event that includes a full marathon alongside shorter-distance races.

The 2026 programme is designed to accommodate different levels of running experience, from people taking part in the 2.5 km Fun Run to athletes competing in the 42.195 km marathon.

The event's race programme includes:

• 42.195 km Marathon
• Marathon Relay for teams of two
• 10 km Road Race
• 5 km Road Race
• 2.5 km Fun Run

This range of distances allows experienced runners, recreational participants and families to choose an event that suits their goals and level of participation.

Where Is the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Held?

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon takes place across Abu Dhabi, with the race traditionally centred around the city's Corniche and ADNOC Headquarters/Campus area.

The event's established city course has taken runners past prominent Abu Dhabi landmarks and waterfront areas, while the Race Village provides a central area for participant services and entertainment. Official event information for previous editions has described starts near ADNOC Headquarters on Corniche Road and finishes around the ADNOC Campus.

For the 2026 edition, participants should use their official race information and bib instructions for their exact starting location, as different race categories can have different start areas.

2026 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Race Categories

42.195 km Marathon

The full marathon covers the standard 42.195 km distance and is the flagship race of the event.

It is designed for runners preparing for a full marathon challenge and attracts competitive and recreational participants.

Marathon Relay

The Marathon Relay allows two runners to share the full marathon distance, with each participant covering part of the course.

10 km Road Race

The 10 km race provides a shorter competitive distance for runners who want a substantial road-running challenge without entering the full marathon.

5 km Road Race

The 5 km race provides a more accessible distance for recreational runners, fitness enthusiasts and participants looking for a shorter event.

2.5 km Fun Run

The 2.5 km Fun Run is the shortest race category and is suitable for participants looking for a shorter community running experience.

ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Race Village

The Race Village is an important part of the wider ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon experience.

According to the official 2026 information, participants can access a Race Village featuring:

• Sponsor and partner areas
• Entertainment zones
• Fitness classes
• Kids' activities
• Live music
• Food and refreshments
• Participant services

The official event information also confirms access to the event village as part of the race experience.

This means visitors accompanying runners can also have activities to enjoy while following the event.

Race Pack and Participant Benefits

The official 2026 event information states that registered participants receive an event race pack and access to several race services.

The 2026 participant inclusions include:

• Official running T-shirt
• Race bib
• Race bag
• Commemorative finisher's medal
• Official timekeeping and split times
• Digital race results
• Downloadable digital certificate
• Post-race photo download
• Refreshment points
• Medical and first-aid support
• Access to the Race Village and entertainment

These inclusions apply to registered participants according to the organiser's current 2026 information.

Race Pack Collection

Participants should arrange their race pack collection or delivery before race day.

The official 2026 information states that Race Village collection is scheduled from 7 December to 11 December 2026, between 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

The organiser also provides race-pack delivery and other collection options for eligible participants. There is no Race Pack collection on race day, 12 December 2026, according to the current official information.

Participants should check their registration information for the collection option selected and any updated instructions.

Can Visitors From Dubai Attend the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon?

Yes. Visitors staying in Dubai can travel to Abu Dhabi for the event.

The official 2026 information provides a Dubai - Abu Dhabi shuttle option for registered runners who book the service through the organiser. The current information states that the outbound shuttle is scheduled to depart from Ibn Battuta Metro Station in Dubai during the early hours of race day.

Visitors who are not using the organiser's shuttle should plan their own transportation and allow sufficient time to reach Abu Dhabi before their scheduled start.

Who Should Visit the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon?

The event is suitable for more than professional marathon runners.

It can appeal to:

• Marathon runners
• Recreational runners
• Fitness enthusiasts
• Families
• Sports fans
• International visitors
• People looking for a community running event
• Visitors interested in Abu Dhabi's sporting events

The different race distances make it possible for participants with different running goals to take part.

Spectators can also experience the Race Village, entertainment and family activities without participating in the full marathon.

Why Visit the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon?

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon combines professional and community running with the atmosphere of a major Abu Dhabi sporting event.

Visitors can:

• Watch competitive marathon running
• Participate in a race suited to their ability
• Experience Abu Dhabi's city environment
• Enjoy the Race Village
• Take part in fitness activities
• Enjoy family entertainment
• Follow the action along the course
• Combine the event with a wider Abu Dhabi holiday

The event has developed into a recurring part of Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar, with previous editions attracting runners from the UAE and overseas.

ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Registration

Registration for the 2026 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is currently open.

Participants can register through the official ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon website and select from the available race categories.

The current 2026 programme includes:

• 42.195 km Marathon
• Marathon Relay
• 10 km
• 5 km
• 2.5 km Fun Run

Registration, race category availability and participant requirements should be confirmed directly through the official organiser before making travel arrangements.

Captain Dunes should not publish the organiser's race-entry prices on this page. Keep the booking intent focused on helping visitors plan their Abu Dhabi trip and related UAE experiences.

Tips for Planning Your ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Visit

If you are participating in or attending the marathon, consider the following:

Arrive Early

The main marathon races begin very early in the morning. Allow enough time for transportation, parking, security procedures and reaching your assigned start area.

Check Your Race Category

Different distances have different start times and, where applicable, different starting waves. Check your registration confirmation and race-day information carefully.

Collect Your Race Pack in Advance

Do not leave race-pack collection until race morning. The organiser currently states that there is no Race Pack collection on race day.

Check Transport Arrangements

Road closures and event traffic can affect normal journeys. Review the latest organiser transport information before travelling.

Plan Your Day Around the Race

If you are travelling from outside Abu Dhabi, consider adding sightseeing or another UAE experience before or after the event rather than trying to fit everything into race morning.

Explore Abu Dhabi During Your Marathon Trip

Visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon can extend their stay and experience more of the UAE.

Depending on your schedule, Captain Dunes can help you plan:

• Abu Dhabi City Tours to visit major landmarks and attractions
• Dubai City Tours for iconic Dubai experiences
• Desert Safari Experiences for an Arabian desert adventure
• Dhow Cruise Experiences for waterfront sightseeing
• UAE Sightseeing Tours to experience destinations beyond Abu Dhabi

For runners, these experiences can be planned around the race so that sightseeing does not interfere with race preparation or recovery time.

Plan Your ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Visit With Captain Dunes

Travelling to Abu Dhabi for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2026 gives you the opportunity to combine a major sporting event with a wider UAE holiday.

Whether you are travelling as a runner, accompanying a participant or attending as a spectator, Captain Dunes can help you plan suitable Abu Dhabi, Dubai and UAE tour experiences around your event schedule.

For the latest registration status, race instructions, race-pack information, start locations and participant updates, always check the official ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon website before travelling.