ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon organisers have revealed an exciting first wave of world class runners who will take part in the elite race, which is being held for the first time in the UAE capital this December.

The field will include the new world half marathon record holder, Abraham Kiptum, from Kenya, as well as Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka, the 10,000m silver medalist at the 2015 IAAF World Championships, world champion at the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and world indoor champion at the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

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

“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.”

The race takes place on December 7 with Kiptum and Burka two of four elite stars announced on Sunday.

Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka was the 10,000m silver medalist at the 2015 IAAF World Championships.

Kiptum claimed his half marathon title a week ago in the Valencia Half Marathon, boasting an incredible record time of 58:18. Kiptum also won the 2018 Daegu Marathon and achieved his best performance at the 2017 Amsterdam Marathon completed with a time of 2:05:26.

Also in the elite men’s section will be compatriot Stanley Biwott, winner of the world-renowned 2015 New York City marathon. Biwott earned his first major marathon victory in 2015, crossing the line in 2:10:32, 14 seconds ahead of his competition.

At the 2016 London Marathon he ran a career best of 2:03:51 with his performance making him one of 10 men to run a sub 2 hours 4 minutes marathon.

Representing the elite women alongside Burka is Eunice Chumba Chebichii, of Bahrain. She was the 10,000m silver medalist at the 2018 Asian Games and 2015 Asian Athletics Championships.

She is currently ranked as the 19th all-time best runner in half marathon history with a record time of 1:06:11, which she achieved during the Copenhagen Half Marathon in 2017.

These are just four of the athletes who will race in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. They will also be promoting healthy and active lifestyles to the capital’s residents and encouraging the community to get involved in this historic sporting event.

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.