Abu Dhabi Marathon earns Gold Label status from World Athletics
Participation surges as race cements global sporting appeal
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi’s flagship running event has reached a new milestone after the World Athletics awarded the Abu Dhabi Marathon its prestigious Gold Label Road Race status.
The recognition highlights the race’s strong organisational framework and its growing reputation on the global running calendar. It also places the event among an elite group of international road races that meet the highest standards of excellence.
The marathon, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and sponsored by ADNOC, was assessed against rigorous criteria. These include operational quality, international participation, safety measures, athlete services and adherence to technical regulations recognised worldwide.
Gold Label status
The Gold Label classification is among the highest distinctions granted to road races globally. It reflects the event’s ability to attract elite athletes alongside amateur runners, while maintaining world-class organisational standards. The Abu Dhabi Marathon has steadily built its profile since its launch, drawing participants from across the UAE and beyond.
Officials say the recognition underscores the emirate’s commitment to hosting major sporting events. It also aligns with broader efforts to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the community, while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s standing as an international sports destination.
Abu Dhabi Marathon
Since its debut in 2018, the marathon has witnessed significant expansion in participation. The inaugural edition welcomed more than 10,000 runners, rising to over 16,000 in 2019. After a pandemic-related postponement, the 2021 edition returned with around 12,000 participants under health measures.
Numbers climbed sharply in subsequent years. More than 20,000 runners took part in 2022, followed by approximately 25,000 in 2023. The 2024 edition attracted over 33,000 participants from more than 150 nationalities, while the most recent race exceeded 37,000 runners, highlighting its increasing global appeal.
Race format
The event offers multiple race categories designed to encourage broad participation. Alongside the full marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres, runners can compete in a half marathon and shorter races tailored to different fitness levels. This inclusive structure has played a key role in boosting engagement among both professional athletes and community participants.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, described the Gold Label achievement as a reflection of the event’s adherence to the highest international standards. He noted that the marathon’s rising profile on the global stage also contributes to enhancing quality of life and encouraging wider sports participation across society.