The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon might not be here for another four months, but we all know that time goes fast when you live in a place as exciting as Abu Dhabi.
So, if you’ve already signed up for the big race on December 6, you might be well into your training programme by now, or at least thinking about starting it anyway.
But, if the prospect of running 42.2km is filling you with total fear, don’t worry. You don’t have to do this challenge alone.
To help runners properly prepare for the big day, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and Abu Dhabi Sports Council have teamed up to put on some free weekly training sessions. The workouts happen twice a week: on Mondays from 8pm to 9.15pm on Al Hudayriat Island, and also on Wednesdays at Zayed Sports City from 7.45pm to 9.15pm.
Those going along to the Hudayriat session should meet by the kids’ play area, and those at Zayed Sports City should gather by the entrance to the International Tennis Stadium.
Or, if you somehow get lost, simply look out for the ADNOC marathon flags.
The weekly workouts are led by the race’s official coach, Youssef Rochdi, who is also a member of USA Track & Field Association (USATF) and multiple winner of USATF long-distance championships.
Running all the way until November 27, the sessions include interval training, long-distance runs, drills, up-hill sprints, tempo runs and more. Plus, from September, free coaching will also be introduced for those taking part in the 2.5km, 5km and 10km races.
H.E Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, says: “Last year we welcomed 10,000 runners from all over the world to the inaugural ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, this year we hope to grow that number to 15,000.
“Providing these free training sessions is just one example of how we are making the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon more accessible than ever to all members of our community in the capital.”
You can still sign up to take part and entrance is Dhs350 for the marathon, Dhs150 for the 10km, Dhs75 for the 5km and Dhs50 for the 2.5km.
Could this be the year you finally run a whole marathon?
Go on, we believe in you.
Free. Al Hudayriat Island: Mon 8pm-9.15pm. Zayed Sports City: Wed 7.45pm-9.15pm. www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com.
