Abu Dhabi: Kenyan long-distance runner Brigid Kosgei has made her debut at the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, setting a new women’s record. Over 25,000 other runners represented 168 different nationalities in the UAE capital.
The five-time major Marathon champion swept to victory with a stunning time of 2:19:15 – a minute quicker than the previous record and nearly five minutes ahead of her closest rival, Hawi Feysa Gejia (2:24:03), as Ethlemahu Sintayehu finished third (2:25:36).
Meanwhile, Eritrean Amare Hailemicael Samson produced a superb display, completing the stunning city course in 2:07:10 to seal an impressive victory, two minutes ahead of his closest challenge, Kenyan Leonard Barsoton (2:09:37), with compatriot Ilham Tanui Ozbilen marking his maiden Marathon appearance with a third-place finish (2:10:16).
Ethiopian Halefom Kesay won the 10 km race with a time of 28:27 minutes, while his compatriot Zenashwork Yenw covered the same distance in a time of 33:23 minutes.
The winners were crowned by Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Yaser Saeed Al-Mazrouei, CEO of ADNOC’s Human Resources, Corporate and Commercial Support Department; Dr. Saleh Al Hashmi, Head of Commercial Affairs and In-Country Value Promotion at ADNOC; Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Engineer Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Company; Suhail Al-Arifi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Ricky Dominguez, Nike’s Sports Marketing Director; And Dr. Ali Al-Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation (Department of Health).
The fifth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon witnessed a distinguished atmosphere, especially in light of the unprecedented number of participants who belong to diverse cultures and different levels of physical fitness. with over 25,000 individuals hailing from 168 countries, including elite athletes, People of Determination, and Paralympics participants, underscoring our unwavering commitment to inclusivity within the UAE.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated.
“This event resonated throughout our community, drawing participation from families and children alike, thereby creating an inclusive occasion for individuals from various walks of life and diverse backgrounds. The event was truly for everyone,” Al Awani added.
The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon Village once again served as a vibrant and friendly gathering spot for families and friends. The village offered diverse entertainment options, including food trucks, a designated Kids Zone, and Energy for Life activations, ensuring there was something enjoyable for the hundreds of attendees and contributing to the overall positive experience of the marathon.
The marathon integrated various eco-friendly initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability. The organizers took sufficient measures to ensure the event had a beneficial influence on both the community and the environment.
The marathon runners passed many landmarks in Abu Dhabi, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Wahat Al Karama, and Zayed Sports City, in addition to Al Hosn Palace and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Tower.