ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon postponed to 2021

The third edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon which was scheduled to take place on Friday, December 11, has been postponed to next year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision was taken by the marathon’s organizer, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and the principal sponsor ADNOC, as a preventive measure to safeguard the health of the participants, spectators, volunteers and staff.

“Under its exceptional efforts in managing the optimal handling of the crisis and with the joint coordination with all concerned parties led us to postpone the third edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon from December 2020 to 2021, in the context of ensuring the safety of everyone,” said Aref Hamad Al Awani, secretary general of ADSC.

Thousands of runners reportedly signed up to compete in this year’s marathon, official news agency WAM reported.

No new date in 2021 have yet been announced. All registered runners will receive updates via email and further announcements regarding the revised date will be made via social media channels and the marathon’s website too.

“We are deeply committed to implementing the highest safety standards and precautionary measures in all global and community sporting events held in Abu Dhabi. This is based on the instructions of the competent government agencies emphasising great attention to the safety and health of everyone,” added Al Awani.

Abu Dhabi is already hosting UFC events by sealing off a 11-square-kilometre stretch of Yas Island to create a safety bubble wherein only those directly involved with the event are permitted.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s ‘safe zone’ at UFC Fight Island ensures maximum safety for all

The emirate is also currently hosting the IPL matches and has said that it will host the Formula 1 race on December 13 too, although with no spectators present at the race.

Read: Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix confirmed for Dec 13 with no spectators