Over 4,000 Runners Join Al Ain Half Marathon 2025

The Al Ain Half Marathon 2025 ended with great success, welcoming more than 4,000 runners from different age groups and nationalities. The event was organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with ADNOC. It featured a festive atmosphere that encouraged people from all walks of life to participate and enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship. The event once again showed the UAE’s commitment to promoting health, fitness, and community engagement through sports.

This year’s marathon featured five major race categories. These included the 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km races. There were also special categories for families, recreational participants, and People of Determination. Each category allowed runners of different experience levels to take part and enjoy the event in their own way. The organisers ensured that every runner, from beginners to professionals, could participate safely and joyfully.

More than 1,000 athletes took part in the main 21 km Half Marathon category alone. The average age of participants across all categories was 31 years, highlighting the wide appeal of the event. The youngest participants were infants under one year old, joining in the family race category, while the oldest competitors included Abdulaziz Al Amri, aged 71, and Anna Russo, aged 73. Their participation reflected the truly inclusive nature of the event, where age was no barrier to taking part in sport and fun.

The Al Ain Half Marathon served as a key event leading up to the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, scheduled for 13th December. It helped build excitement and awareness about the main marathon while encouraging early registration. This connection between both races strengthened Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading destination for international sporting events. It also underlined the importance of consistent training, healthy habits, and community involvement in promoting an active lifestyle.

The organisers designed the Al Ain Half Marathon to reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The route showcased Al Ain’s charming landscape, blending traditional culture with modern sporting excellence. The event also served as a platform to promote sustainable community initiatives and bring people together through sport. Families and individuals alike experienced a celebration that went beyond running — it was about connection, culture, and collective well-being.

From 5th to 8th November, the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium transformed into a lively sports village. The venue offered live music, delicious food stalls, and fun family activities. Children and parents took part in games, while visitors enjoyed performances and exhibitions celebrating health and fitness. The organisers created a festival-like atmosphere that kept energy levels high and provided entertainment for everyone throughout the four-day celebration.

The Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, one of Al Ain’s landmarks, was equipped with top-tier facilities for the event. It included VIP lounges for special guests, medical and media centres, and exclusive areas for elite runners and volunteers. The organisers ensured high safety and comfort standards, making the experience enjoyable for participants and visitors alike. These facilities reflected Abu Dhabi’s ability to host large-scale events with world-class quality and organisation.

Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed his pride in the event’s success. He said that the Al Ain Half Marathon reflected the Council’s mission to promote healthy living and increase community participation in sports. Al Hashemi also noted that hosting such events in Al Ain showcased the UAE’s cultural diversity and spirit of inclusion, ensuring that everyone—locals and expatriates alike—felt part of the nation’s sports journey.

As the Al Ain event concluded, excitement grew for the upcoming ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon in December. Al Hashemi encouraged the public to register and join the major event, calling it one of the most anticipated sports gatherings in the region. He highlighted that events like these inspire people to see sport not just as competition, but as a way of life that strengthens health, unity, and happiness within the community.

The success of the Al Ain Half Marathon 2025 once again proved that the UAE is becoming a global hub for sports, culture, and wellness. It united people from various backgrounds under a single goal — to stay active and celebrate togetherness. With strong community involvement, outstanding organisation, and enthusiastic participation, the event marked another milestone in the country’s journey toward a healthier and more active society.