•Men’s first place awarded to Titus Ekiru with an exceptional time of 2:06:13
•Beating her personal best time, Judith Jeptum Korir wins the women’s elite race clocking in at 2:22:30
•Over 12,000 participants from across the world took part in the third edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 26 November 2021: Following a highly competitive race, Titus Ekiru and Judith Jeptum Korir crossed the finish line as the winners of the 2021 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.
The successful third edition of the Bronze Label race saw over 12,000 runners participate across six race categories, including the individual 42.2KM marathon distance and marathon relay for teams of two, the 10KM, 5KM and 2.5KM distances, as well as the wheelchair race. The spectacular race took runners along a scenic race route showcasing the capital’s iconic, cultural, and touristic landmarks, including the Founder’s Memorial, Qasr Al Hosn and Emirates Heritage Village.
In a special awards ceremony, the winners of the first, second and third places across all six categories were presented with the event’s trophies, while all other race participants also received official race medals.
Kenyan Titus Ekiru, stormed to victory with a time of 2:06:13, continuing his reign as the world’s fastest man of 2021 in the marathon category. He was followed closely one minute and 37 seconds after by Tanzanian Alphonce Felix Simbu who clocked a new personal best time of 2:07:50. Right at his heels and taking third place in the marathon was ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2019 winner, Kenyan Reuben Kiprop Kibyego, with a time of 2:08:25.
Smashing her personal best time by over five minutes, Kenyan Judith Jeptum Korir won the elite female marathon category with a time of 2:22:30. Bahrain’s Eunice Chebichii Chumba took second place, crossing the finish line with a time of 2.26.01, while the marathon’s third place went to Immaculate Chemutai who secured a time of 2:28:30.
Moroccans, Yassir Ech Chaachoui and Hajiba Hasnaoui emerged triumphant in the male and female 10KM category with respective times of 29:55 and 36:27, followed by second place male and female finishers, Ismail El Kharchi and Yenenesh Desu, and third place finishers Mohamed Osama Mohamed and Chadia Boumahdi.
The wheelchair category was completed in an amazing time of 1:35:13 by Emirati Ayed Alahbabi, representing the Alain Club for People of Determination, followed closely by runner ups Emirati Badir Al Hosani and Omani national, Ali Al Saadi.
Speaking on the successful race, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “What a fantastic race! Congratulations to Titus Ekiru and Judith Jeptum Korir on a spectacular performance, and to the rest of the field for delivering yet another thrilling ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. The quality and competitiveness of this year’s field is testament to ADNOC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s commitment to attracting world-class athletes to this event.
“On behalf of ADNOC, I would like to congratulate all the runners that participated this weekend, across the various race categories, and thank those that helped us to deliver yet another successful event. The marathon remains a perfect example of how ADNOC is making a positive and lasting contribution to the wellbeing of our community, through our diverse and integrated program of health and fitness initiatives. We look forward to building on this program in 2022 and beyond.”
H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, added: “The third edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon was a true celebration of our capital’s excellence and a testament to the city’s position as a major global sporting destination. With over 12,000 participants, the event saw runners from various backgrounds across the city and further afield, all dedicated to maintaining an enhanced physical wellbeing. We congratulate the winners and participants across all categories and commend them for their resilience in completing this historic race.”
Andrea Trabuio, Race Director, said: “Today, we concluded another successful edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon with great results across the board. Once again, this year’s race has exceeded expectations, with even more participants and new records set by some of the world’s greatest athletes. We now look forward to planning the fourth edition of the marathon and achieving even better results.”
Following his historic win, Titus Ekiru said: “Despite my pacemaker dropping out early, I’m extremely proud to have won the race this morning. The course was beautiful, and I am thankful to the organizers for inviting me to the capital to compete in such an amazing race. I look forward to defending my title next year”.
Judith Jeptum Korir expressed her excitement in winning the 2021 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon saying: “While the course was challenging, I was able to set a new personal record of 2:22:30 for which I am exceptionally proud. I am grateful to have participated in the third edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and I thank Abu Dhabi for welcoming me for such an unforgettable experience”.
For more information, visit: www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com