Al Ain Half Marathon 2025 Draws Over 4,000 Runners In Multiple Categories

The Al Ain Half Marathon 2025 wrapped up with remarkable success, drawing over 4,000 runners from diverse backgrounds. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and ADNOC, the event featured five main race categories: the 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km races, along with family and People of Determination races.

In the Half Marathon category alone, more than 1,000 participants competed. The average age of all participants was 31 years. The youngest were infants under one year old, while Abdulaziz Al Amri (71) and Anna Russo (73) were among the oldest competitors.

The event was part of preparations for the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on 13th December. It highlighted Abu Dhabi’s role as a global sports hub. ADNOC sponsored the event, which blended Al Ain’s heritage with community engagement to encourage active lifestyles.

From 5th to 8th November, a sports village at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium hosted live music, food stalls, family activities, and entertainment. This created a festive atmosphere. The stadium provided excellent facilities like VIP lounges and areas for elite runners and volunteers.

Talal Al Hashemi from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council stated that the event aligned with their mission to promote healthy living and increase community involvement. He emphasised that hosting in Al Ain showcased the UAE’s cultural diversity and dedication to inclusive sports events.

He also mentioned that this race was a key step towards the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon in December. It encouraged public registration for this major regional sporting event and promoted sport as a lifestyle choice.

The marathon not only celebrated athleticism but also reinforced community spirit through its inclusive approach. By integrating various cultural elements and providing diverse activities, it successfully engaged participants of all ages and abilities.

The combination of competitive races and vibrant festivities underscored Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering an active society. This initiative demonstrated how sports can unite people while promoting health and wellness across different communities.

With inputs from WAM