Barnabas Kiptum highlights star-studded Abu Dhabi Marathon

2019 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon champion Barnabas Kiptum will be keen to register impressive results when he lines up for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Abu Dhabi marathon slated for Sunday, December 16.

Kiptum finished first in both the 2019 Hong Kong Marathon and the Buenos Aires Marathon in 2017, but failed to complete the 2021 edition of the Abu Dhabi Marathon.

The 36-year-old has had an impressive 2023 season where he won the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon, which is the only race he has competed in so far. He will be looking to better his personal best time of 2:04:17.

Another athlete to watch will be Kiptum’s compatriot, Leonard Barsoton.

He lines up as the third-fastest in the field with a PB time of 2:09:06 and he will be looking to cause an upset.

Kiptum who clocked 2:04:17 in the 2021 Generali Milano Marathon in Milano to settle for second place will battle it out with a strong contingent that includes Uganda's Andrew Kwemoi, the 2023 Milano Marathon winner. The Ugandan has had a blossoming season that saw him register a personal best of 2:07:14.

Kwemoi was in action at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, but failed to finish the race.

In the women's category, a strong contingent is expected.

2017 Chicago Marathon winner Tirunesh Dibaba brings spice to the competition. The Ethiopian has a wealth of experience, having previously won gold in 10km during the 2016 Rio Olympics. She will be running her first marathon this year, after coming from maternity leave.

Kenya's Maureen Chepkemoi also headlines this category.

Chepkemoi will be running her fourth marathon this season. She will be challenged by Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa who has enjoyed a great 2023 season.

An estimated 23,000 runners are expected to take part in the event competing, in the marathon (42.195 km), marathon relay, 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km races.

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In preparation for the Marathon, a free eight-month training program was launched after Ramadan. Led by experienced coaches, sessions will be provided across the UAE and are designed to help runners of all levels prepare for their chosen distance.

This year's marathon will place even greater emphasis on sustainability, with several initiatives focused on minimizing the environmental impact of the event and reducing waste.