Mass-Participation Races to Bring Abu Dhabi’s Sporting Community Together.
Abu Dhabi’s running and cycling communities will have several opportunities to take part in organised sporting events over the coming months, with three mass-participation events scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027.
The programme includes the ADNOC Al Ain Half Marathon, the AD Ports Group Gran Fondo Abu Dhabi and the second edition of Cyber Run and Ride. Distances range from short community runs to a demanding 150km cycling challenge.
Here is what runners and cycling enthusiasts need to know.
ADNOC Al Ain Half Marathon opens the calendar on November 7
The ADNOC Al Ain Half Marathon will take place on November 7, 2026, bringing runners to the Garden City for four race distances: 21.1km, 10km, 5km and 2.5km.
The event caters to participants with varying levels of experience, from competitive distance runners to those looking for a shorter community race.
The route will take runners through Al Ain’s palm groves and past cultural landmarks, before extending into the surrounding desert landscape.
Race-day arrangements will include professional timing, official race apparel, finisher medals and an event village.
The half marathon also forms part of the wider build-up to the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, extending the programme of organised running events beyond the capital.
AD Ports Group Gran Fondo returns on December 20
The AD Ports Group Gran Fondo Abu Dhabi 2026 will return for its fifth edition on December 20, with cyclists set to tackle a 150km point-to-point route from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi.
The race is scheduled to start at 7am.
Who can participate?
The event is open to professional and highly competitive amateur cyclists, experienced riders, Masters’ category participants and recreational cyclists.
The event listing identifies Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and Sheikh Zayed Festival as its locations. Participants should check the organisers’ race information for confirmation of the precise start and finish arrangements for the 150km route.
The 2026 edition marks a significant development for the event, which has joined the UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier circuit.
The initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for international cycling events.
Cyber Run and Ride 2.0 takes place on January 30
The programme continues with Cyber Run and Ride 2.0, scheduled for January 30, 2027, in Abu Dhabi.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Cyber Security Council, the community sporting initiative will feature four running distances: 2.5km, 5km, 10km and 21km, alongside a 12km cycling ride.
The event aims to encourage physical activity and healthier lifestyles, with distances designed to accommodate participants across different age groups and fitness levels.
Unlike the Gran Fondo, which focuses on long-distance cycling and an international qualification pathway, Cyber Run and Ride places greater emphasis on accessible community participation through a combination of running and cycling.
Registration is available through the event’s official website. Participants should check the organisers’ latest announcements for registration details and event-day arrangements.
A varied programme for Abu Dhabi’s sporting community
From the shorter distances at the Al Ain Half Marathon and Cyber Run and Ride to the endurance challenge of the Gran Fondo, the programme offers opportunities for both recreational participants and competitive athletes.
The three events also reflect Abu Dhabi’s continued efforts to encourage active lifestyles and expand its calendar of community and international sporting activities.
The events will broaden the sporting calendar across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, while the Gran Fondo’s UCI qualification status adds an international competitive dimension to the emirate’s cycling scene.
