The fourth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2022, whose competitions were held on Saturday, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), under the theme “run together.”
Starting in front of ADNOC’s headquarters on King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, the event confirms Abu Dhabi’s ability to organise major professional sports events.
The marathon and relay race attracted 2,150 participants, the 10km race welcomed 5,630 participants, with 6,355 participants taking on the 5km and 5,870 runners in the 2.5 km race.
Timothy Kipolgat Ronoh produced the run of his life as he led a record field of more than 20,000 participants in this morning’s 2022 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, completing the stunning new city course in 2:05:20 to seal a remarkable victory, four minutes ahead of his closest challenge, compatriot Felix Kimutai (2:09:33), with Ethiopian Adeladlew Mamo (2:09:42) third.
In the women’s elite race Eunice Chumba, of Bahrain, was the first female over the line in the UAE capital, finishing the 42.2km contest in 2:20:41, ahead of Kenya’s Angela Tanui (2:21:12), with Ethiopia’s Hurasa Dibaba (2:21:25) in third.
Cheered on by throngs of colourful and vocal race fans, Ronoh, who entered the race as a pacemaker for the elite athletes, ripped up the game plan and sensationally led from start to finish to record the biggest win of his career. Starting in front of the ADNOC Headquarters, the Kenyan running never looked back showing pace power and enjoyment throughout to take the title ahead of compatriot Kimutai.
“This is my first time in Abu Dhabi, so to win the race on my debut makes it extra special. Everything just felt great, we’ve been looked after, the course was really good, and the place is really beautiful. This is a great victory for me,” said a tired but ecstatic Ronoh.
Chumba, celebrated Bahrain National Day weekend by producing a strong performance in the women’s race and looked on course to break the event record but running by herself at the head of the field she narrowly missed out, posting the second fastest time ever to go one better than her second-place last year. In a close race just 45 seconds separated the first three runners.
“I’m so happy for this wonderful day. I really wanted to try my best to win this race. Last year I was second, today I am the winner. This is my first time to taste victory in this event, the fourth attempt, I’m so, so, happy. The course was very good, flat and fast. The weather was great, the fans were wonderful. I’m happy I could win for them. Thank you, Abu Dhabi,” said Chumba, after a victory, a second victory in the Middle East following her win in the 2017 Beirut Marathon.
The fourth edition of the annual marathon, which this year included five race categories including a marathon relay for teams of two and distance races over 10km, 5km and 2.5km, attracted a record turn-out. Moroccan runners dominated the 10km in the men’s category with Anouar El Ghouz, Noaman Elassaoui and Ismail El Kharchi claiming the top three places in 29:09, 29:18 and 29:22 respectively. In the women’s race, British athlete Eilish Mccolgan came first at 31:44, ahead of Australian Chloe Tighe, who finished second in 35:31, a minute before the Ethiopia’s Elshaday Wedaje Jemberu, who made it to the finish line at 36:34.
The new course saw the field tackle a scenic route showcasing some of the capital’s most iconic, cultural, and touristic landmarks, including Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama, Mangrove National Park, Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Tower, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Zayed Sports City and the ADNOC Tower. With music bands and shows along the route keeping the adrenaline high, stunning air show display entertained both runners and Marathon Village guests
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and CEO of ADNOC, crowned the race winners.
HE Al Awani praised the great participation and distinguished interaction witnessed by the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon in its fourth edition, with all its distances suitable for all, stressing that the successes of the marathon indicate its prestigious position, its global value and its great impact on society.
He said: “The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has become an important sporting event that raises awareness of the importance of exercising, a new measure that supports the quality of life index in Abu Dhabi, and a major international event that puts Abu Dhabi on the map of global sports capitals hosting major events.”
He added, “We are pleased to host more than 20,000 participants in the fourth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, and we seek during the upcoming editions to increase the number of participants, and to continue providing the atmosphere full of excitement and vitality, which the participants experienced in the streets of the capital, Abu Dhabi.”
“Thank you ADNOC for its sponsorship and support of the marathon. Thank you to all the sponsors for their effective contribution to come up with a big and important event befitting the name of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Thanks also go to the team of volunteers, the main reason for the success of the fourth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2022.”
At the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Event Village, hundreds of spectators, including families and friends of runners in the various races, enjoyed a wide range of wholesome entertainment offerings including a 15-minute treadmill challenge, a human running wheel, reflex tests, hourly shows, live music and free health checkups. The Event Village included something for fitness enthusiasts young and old with friendly competition in football, cycling, speed and coordination tests
Kaley Alvarez took part in the treadmill challenges and soaked up the atmosphere in the village as he awaited his friends to finish the full 42.2km marathon course. He said “The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Event Village is really great. The atmosphere is great, the view is spectacular, and the challenges have been really fun. Good luck to Marlon Medina and all the runners. They are a real inspiration.”
Gareth Reina, 15, a Filipino national tried out a host of activities, including the cycling challenge, as he waited for both mum and dad to complete the marathon. He said: “It’s been really great fun in the village trying out the activities in a safe environment. “
Anika Wadher. aged 32, an Indian national and Abu Dhabi resident, enjoyed the village as they cheered on the runners.
In addition to testing their skills and coordination, event fans also had the opportunity to take pictures with Falah the Falcon, the official race mascot.
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