Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025 Draws Over 37,000 Participants Across Multiple Categories

The Abu Dhabi Marathon 2025, in its seventh edition, was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by ADNOC. It attracted over 37,000 participants across various race categories. These included the full marathon, relay marathon, and races of 10 kilometres, 5 kilometres, and 2.5 kilometres. There was also a special category for People of Determination.

In the men's elite marathon, Turkish runner Kaan Kigen Özbilen emerged victorious with a time of 2:07:27. An Ethiopian athlete followed in second place at 2:08:09, while Kenya's Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi secured third with a time of 2:08:32. The women's race saw Kenya's Catherine Reline Amanangole clinch her second consecutive title in 2:21:17. Her compatriot Edna Kiplagat came second, and Ethiopia’s Bortukan Yifru finished third.

The marathon commenced at Zayed Sports City at 05:45, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s sporting culture and promoting sports as part of daily life. Approximately 5,000 runners participated in the marathon and relay races. The event also saw participation from around 8,000 runners in the 10-kilometre race, 11,000 in the 5-kilometre race, and about 13,000 in the 2.5-kilometre race.

The marathon route showcased several iconic landmarks of Abu Dhabi. Participants passed by Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama, ADNOC Headquarters, and Capital Gate during their run.

The total prize pool exceeded US$300,000. Both men’s and women’s elite marathon champions received US$50,000 each. Winners in the wheelchair category were awarded US$3,150 along with prizes for second and third places. Additional awards were given across the various categories of the 10-kilometre races.

In the wheelchair category, France's Laurent Lepolite claimed first place with a time of 1:59:00. In the men's section of the 10-kilometre race, Ethiopia's Leta Mamo won with a time of 29:21. Berhan Arigawi from Ethiopia took first place in the women's race with a time of 37:52.

Support and Future Plans

Aref Hamad Al Awani from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council stated that this marathon has become a significant event promoting active lifestyles and enhancing life quality in Abu Dhabi. He expressed gratitude to ADNOC and other partners for their support.

The event was supported by numerous sponsors including Nike, Tadweer Group, National Health Insurance Company – Daman, Burjeel Medical City among others. The eighth edition is set for December 12th, 2026.

With inputs from WAM