Abu Dhabi Marathon
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · Sunday 13 December 2026
The Abu Dhabi Marathon is a prestigious event held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The race starts behind the ADNOC HQ Tower and finishes at the ADNOC HQ South Plaza, passing iconic landmarks such as Al Bateen Palace and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The course is fast and scenic, offering a unique blend of urban charm and cultural immersion. Participants are assigned to starting corrals based on their estimated finish times, ensuring a smooth and organized start.
Difficulty Calculator
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:m
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Adjusted Time
4:28:21
Time difference: +28.4 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain385m
Elevation High32m
Elevation Low-4m
Weather Forecast
High28°C
Low23°C
Chance of Rain13%
How hard is Abu Dhabi Marathon?
Very Difficultharder than 81% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Abu Dhabi Marathon plays about 26 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #224 hardest of 1151 marathons we analyse, and #1 of 2 in United Arab Emirates. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Abu Dhabi Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Abu Dhabi Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 3:15:06 | +15:06 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:51:26 | +21:26 |
| 4:00:00 | 4:28:21 | +28:21 |
| 4:30:00 | 5:05:50 | +35:50 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:43:50 | +43:50 |
| 5:30:00 | 6:22:19 | +52:19 |
| 6:00:00 | 7:01:17 | +1:01:17 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Abu Dhabi Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Abu Dhabi Marathon is a full marathon held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is scheduled for Sunday 13 December 2026. The course is run on road surface with 385m of total climbing, with its high point near 32m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Abu Dhabi Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
This is a hilly course with 385m of total climbing, rising to around 32m above sea level. It pays to train on hills and to pace the climbs conservatively.
Expected Race Day Weather
Based on historical weather data for December, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 23°C and 28°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in distance running - for every degree above 15°C, finish times can slow by roughly 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (13%), so dry conditions are likely.
Surface Type: Road
Abu Dhabi Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Abu Dhabi Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
Marathons of similar difficulty
If Abu Dhabi Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.