Defending champions Kipyego and Kiplagat confirmed for Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon

Kenyan runners hold course record timings in men and women’s categories

The male and female marathon winners Reuben Kipyego and Vivian Kiplagat at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The male and female marathon winners Reuben Kipyego and Vivian Kiplagat at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes prepare for the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An athlete competes in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Runners begin the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dr Sultan Al Jaber before the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Reuban Kipyego from Kenya wins the men's Adnoc Abu Dhabi marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Reuban Kipyego from Kenya wins the men's Adnoc Abu Dhabi marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Vivian Kiplagat celebrates her win in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Winner of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon 10K Teresa Nyakola Gela. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An athlete competes in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Winner of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon 10K Teresa Nyakola Gela. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Volunteers hand out water to runners during the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Runners during the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Runners begin the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An athlete pours water on herself during the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes with their participation medals after completing the 10K at the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The National's Ashleigh Stewart takes part in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Andrew Kwemoi (L, 2nd), Teresa Gela (C, winner) and Noaman Elassaoui (L, 3rd) for the men's 10k at the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Wude Yimer Ayalew (L, 2nd), Vivian Kiplagat (m, winner) and Yeshi Chekole Kalayu (L, 3rd) of the women's 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dr Sultan Al Jaber presents the medals to Joel Kemboi Kimurer (L, 2nd), Reuben Kipyego (m, winner) and Fikadu Teferi Girma (L, 3rd) for the men's 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Joel Kemboi Kimurer (L, 2nd), Reuben Kipyego (m, winner) and Fikadu Teferi Girma (L, 3rd) after the men's 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes pose with their participation medals after completing the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes compete in the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Athletes cross the finish line at the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Women's champion Vivian Kiplagat celebrates her win at the 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An athlete is stretchered off after finishing the men's 2019 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Winner of the wheelchair marathon Ayed Alahbabi at the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Kenya's Rueben Kipyego and Vivian Kiplagat will both be back to defend their men's and women’s Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon titles on November 26, organisers announced on Wednesday.

Kipyego, ranked 20th in the world, holds the men’s course record of two hours, three minutes and 55 seconds while Kiplagat holds the women’s record 2:22:11, both achieved in 2019. The marathon was postponed last year because of the pandemic.

Joining them is Abel Kirui, whose personal best of 2:05:04 makes him a serious contender in Abu Dhabi. He won both the 2009 Berlin Marathon and 2011 Daegu Marathon and was placed fourth in 2018’s London Marathon.

Kiplagat won the 2019 Milano and 2018 Buenos Aires marathons, and will be out to better her personal best in Abu Dhabi.

Challenging her is Ethiopian Alemu Megertu, who is currently ranked 40th in the world with a personal best time of 2:21:10.

“As we return for our much-anticipated third edition, this year’s elite level line-up will see some of the world’s best male and female runners heading to Abu Dhabi to compete for the top prize,” Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said.

“With two Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon champions returning in 2021 to defend their titles, we can look ahead to an incredible display of competition and talent, further enhancing the event’s global reputation as one of the most prestigious races to participate at.

“We are delighted that they have chosen our wonderful city and this fantastic event, and we look forward to welcoming them to the start line in Abu Dhabi.”

Also, from November 22-25, a vibrant race village at the Adnoc headquarters campus will welcome participants and supporters with photo opportunities, family entertainment and a dedicated race pack collection area.

For more information and to register for the 2021 Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, visit www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com/register-now.