Andrew Kwemoi and Tirunesh Dibaba among elite entries for Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon

The event is set to draw more than 23,000 participants across various races

Tirunesh Dibaba, left, will be among the elite women at this year's Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Getty Images

Andrew Kwemoi of Uganda and Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba headline the elite men and women’s field at the fifth ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on December 16.

Kwemoi, 23, will arrive on the back of his victory at the 21st Milano Marathon in a time of two hours, seven minutes and 14 seconds in his first try over the 42.195-kilometre distance. He also became the first Ugandan to win a World Athletics Label event.

Joining Kwemoi in the lineup is Kenyan Kiptum Barnabas, who took first place in both the 2019 Hong Kong Marathon and the Buenos Aires Marathon in 2017.

Barnabas’ compatriot, Leonard Barsoton, will also be competing in this year’s race, having set his own personal best of 2:09:06 in the Zurich Marato Barcelona in March.

Dibaba, the 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic champion and the 2017 Chicago Marathon winner, heads the elite women’s field.

She will be challenged by compatriot Hawi Feysa (2:23:38), and Maurine Chepkemoi from Kenya, the 2022 Enschede Marathon winner.

The event, organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is set to draw an estimated 23,000 runners across various distances, including the marathon relay, 10km, 5km, and 2.5km races.

All races will commence at different locations near the ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road and finish at the ADNOC Campus, near Bainuna Public Park.

Registration is free for People of Determination and Paralympics participants, underlining the organisers' continued commitment to inclusivity within the UAE.

This event is open to the community, including families and children, with applicants able to register for the following distances: marathon, marathon relay (teams of 2), 10km, 5km and 2.5km.

Suhail Al Arifi, executive director of the Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said they are thrilled to welcome the top international runners.

“The presence of well-known runners in this year’s line-up reaffirms Abu Dhabi's and the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon's success in gaining international recognition in long-distance running,” he said.

“We're delighted to invite people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us in celebrating physical fitness. Regardless of your fitness level, there's a distance tailored just for you. We encourage everyone to be part of this enriching sports day on the streets of Abu Dhabi, the global capital of sports.”

This year’s Marathon Village will once again be located at ADNOC headquarters and will be accessible from December 12 up until race day on December 16, from 3pm to 10pm.

The village will provide an immersive experience for visitors, with entertainment and a wide array of dining options. The race village is free to enter and open to all.

Participants who register for the race after November 30 can collect their race packs from the Marathon Village between December 12-15.

The Fourth Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon - in pictures

Dr Sultan al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc's group chief executive, honours Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Eunice Chumba and winners of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday. Wam

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc managing director, with Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat and winners of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday. Wam

Elite women's race winner Eunice Chumba of Bahrain with Kenya's Angela Tanui and Mare Dibaba at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday, December 17, 2022. All images Khushnum Bhandari / The National

From left: Angela Tanui, who finished second, race winner Eunice Chumba and Mare Dibaba on the podium for women's elite category at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon.

Race winner Eunice Chumba at the Abu Dhabi Marathon.

From left, second place runner Felix Kimutai, race winner Timothy Kiplagat, and Adeladhew Mamo at the Abu Dhabi Marathon.

Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat won the Abu Dhabi Marathon after starting as a pacemaker.

Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat wins the Abu Dhabi Marathon.

People cheer on participants at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon.

Runners line up at the start line.

A band performs.

People cheer on participants along the way.

Participants wait to set off.

People cheer on the runners.

Action at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon.

Participants warm up in the early hours.

Participants prepare for the race.

It was still dark when the runners set off.

Participants have the finish line in sight.

Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat won the men's race.

Fans cheer on the participants in Abu Dhabi.

Race winner Eunice Chumba.

Participants at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon.

The Abu Dhabi Marathon saw over 20,000 participants.

Winners of the women's elite category of the Abu Dhabi Marathon.

From left: second place Noaman El Assaoui, winner Anouar El Ghouz, and Ismail El Kharchi on the 10km run podium

Timothy Kiplagat won the men's Abu Dhabi Marathon.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber presents trophies to Chloe Tighe, left, and Eilish McColgan after the 10km run.