Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon postponed until 2021 over coronavirus

Third staging of popular event put back from December

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

The Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, scheduled for December 11, has been postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus.

Following discussions between the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the sponsors, the third edition of the race will be staged next year for the safety of runners, spectators, volunteers, staff and the partners and communities that support the event.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of ADSC, said implementing safety standards and precautionary measures in every event staged in the capital city was their utmost priority.

"With such an overwhelming response, both within the UAE and the region, the sports council is looking forward to organising this event on the popularity of this event on another date during next year," he said.

"We are deeply committed to implementing the highest safety standards and precautionary measures in all global and community sporting events held in Abu Dhabi. This is based on the instructions of the competent government agencies emphasising great attention to the safety and health of everyone.

"Under its exceptional efforts in managing the optimal handling of the crisis and with the joint coordination with all concerned parties led us to postpone the third edition of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon from December 2020 to 2021, in the context of ensuring the safety of everyone.

"We now look forward to welcoming all participants and unite with the solidarity and support of each other in overcoming these unfavourable times."

Thousands of runners have already signed up to compete in the UAE capital's sporting event but due to the evolving situation relating to the global pandemic of Covid-19, the public’s health and safety remains the top priority of the organisers.

The organisers are currently working through a process to deliver the marathon on a new scheduled date. Registered runners will receive updates via email and announcements will be communicated via the official website adnocabudhabimarathon.com and social media channels.