With a little more than three weeks to go, excitement is building ahead of ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon which takes place on December 7.

The race is open for all categories and will be held over a 42.195-kilometre course that will showcase the landmarks of the capital to a global audience.

In recognition of the Year of Zayed, 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.

The stellar field will include the new world half marathon record holder, Abraham Kiptum from Kenya, as well as Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka, the world champion at the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

Also in the elite men’s section will be compatriot Stanley Biwott, winner of the world-renowned 2015 New York City marathon. The 26-year-old earned his first major marathon victory that year, crossing the line in 2:10:32.

Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, chairman of General Authority for Sports, said the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is the latest addition to the ever-growing list of international sporting events to arrive in Abu Dhabi.

“It may be the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, but it will be second to none among established international marathons around the world,” he said. “We expect a world-class elite field and participation of thousands of runners at various levels.”

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, the general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, added: “The UAE is proud to welcome elite athletes from across the globe to join us for the inaugural ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.

“These athletes are at the top of their game and we hope it will inspire the wider community to take part in the different race categories.”

Participants will begin the marathon outside the ADNOC Headquarters, on Abu Dhabi’s famed Corniche, and follow a route towards the Emirates Heritage Village.

They then make their way around Marina Mall, along King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud street, and on to Qasr Al Hosn, one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most beautifully maintained stone buildings.

The final stretch of the race runs through Mina Zayed, before returning to ADNOC HQ.

The full line-up of runners will be announced at a press conference on December 6 and will be attended by the athletes.

There is still time to join in and take part in the various race categories. For more information visit www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com.

What: ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon

Where: Abu Dhabi

When: Friday, December 7

Contact: For more information or to register visit www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com