In the lead up to the first-ever ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, and as part of a continuous effort to promote healthy and active living in the capital, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon has launched a series of free Community Training Programmes.

Taking place every Monday at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City, the new programme, driven by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will take place from 19:45 to 21:15, running until November 26.

Participants will be able to hone their running skills through intensive workouts with renowned coach Youssef Rochdi, a member of USA Track & Field Association (USATF) and multiple winner of USATF long distance championships.

All coaches will work closely with participants to help them build general strength, increase their weekly mileage, and provide advice on workouts which they can do on their own between the weekly sessions.

H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “As we launch the Community Training Programme, we reaffirm our commitment towards encouraging a healthy lifestyle amongst residents and visitors.

“The new programme is designed for both novices and professional athletes of all ages and backgrounds to get together, participate in diverse sport and fitness activities, and prepare themselves for the big day in December.”

The running schedule of the weekly sessions will comprise a wide-range of workouts, including general physical workouts, fartlek, easy runs, intervals, long runs, tempo runs and up-hill workouts.

The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is a new global sporting event for the Emirate and strengthens the capital’s positions as a leader in spearheading the sporting scene in the region.

The race is open for all categories and will be held over a 42.195-kilometre (26 miles, 385 yards) course that will showcase the landmarks of the capital to a global audience. The race will bring together professional athletes, novice runners and thousands of people under one umbrella, offering them a chance to participate in a series of events from 2.5km and 5km fun runs, to the 10km and full-distance marathon.

To find out more, visit the website: www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com. Athletes can also follow and interact with ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on a variety of social media platforms.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

What: Free Community Training Programmes for ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon

Where: International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City

When: Started September 10, ends November 26

Contact: Visit www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com