(20 October 2019, Abu Dhabi) With just over six weeks to go until the return of the second ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the designs of the finishers’ medals have been unveiled. The reveal of the medal designs coincides with the launch of a campaign to encourage the community ‘finish’ a marathon on 6th December by walking 1km every day, in the lead up to the event, culminating in completion of the 2.5km, 5km or 10km races.
These exciting developments follow the news that Italian luxury automotive brand, Maserati, will return as the Official Car of the 2019 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.
New Medal Design For 42km Runners
All runners who complete one of the four races taking place on Friday, 6th December, will be awarded a bespoke ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon medal which has been designed especially for the event. Two medal designs have been created for participants in different categories – one for runners completing the full 42.195km marathon and another for those finishing the 2.5km, 5km, 10km races.
Both medals’ contemporary designs incorporate the event logo’s unmistakable running silhouette on Abu Dhabi’s iconic Corniche skyline that features the prominent ADNOC HQ Tower. While the medal for the 10km, 5km and 2.5km commemorates the finisher’s achievement with the triumphant engraving ‘I did it’, medals for those completing the full marathon will have a simple yet declarative stamp of ’42.195km’ on theirs.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Whatever the age or ability of each participant, it is important to recognise their efforts in joining the community at such a wonderful event and completing a race distance that suits their fitness levels. To mark their achievements, it is fitting that they will receive such an elegantly designed medal that celebrates the spirit of our great city. Nonetheless, to complete a full marathon race is an extra special accomplishment that requires months of training and dedication. As such, we thought that those completing the full marathon should receive something that distinguishes their incredible hard work.”
#1kEveryDayChallenge Launched
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon is encouraging members of the local community to increase their activity levels ahead of race day by walking or running 1km every day up to the 6th December in an attempt to finish their own personal marathon. Starting 40 days out on 27th October, those who go 1km per day and complete the 2.5km race will have walked or run a combined distance of 42.5km when they cross the finish line next to ADNOC Tower. Similarly, those competing in the 5km and 10km races can begin their 1km every day on the 30th October and 4th November respectively to complete the challenge.
Participants will be encouraged to share their progress by posting social media updates with the hashtag #1kEveryDayChallenge. Those who complete the challenge and finish their ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon race will be able to apply for an additional Certificate of Completion from the website and display it with pride to friends and family.
Participants who finish this challenge will be able to claim their ‘Certificate of Completion’ through the website to mark their personal triumph.
Automotive Sponsor Returns
In partnership with Premier Motors, the official Maserati dealer in Abu Dhabi, the iconic automotive brand will add a touch of Italian horsepower and striking design, which the UAE and Abu Dhabi have become known for, at the open participation race event on Friday 6th December.
Commenting on the announcement of the sponsorship, Jad Elias, Vice-President Maserati, Al Tayer Motors said: “Premier Motors and Maserati are pleased to support the event for the second successive year and look forward to an exciting competition, which will enable Abu Dhabi to strengthen its position as a leading sporting destination in the Middle East.”
In its official role at the event, the Maserati of SUVs – Levante, will once again lead the field of elite athletes topped with a clock, from ADNOC Towers Headquarters on the Corniche as they embark on their run around the city. Premier Motors will also provide Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte vehicles to guide the additional various waves of the historic race.