Elite runners confirmed for 5th Abu Dhabi Marathon

The 2023 Abu Dhabi Marathon will take place on Dec. 16

Short Url

https://arab.news/jdpbz

Updated 17 November 2023

Arab News

November 17, 2023 11:28

Elite runners confirmed for 5th Abu Dhabi Marathon

Andrew Kwemoi, Kiptum Barnabas, Tirunesh Dibaba among world’s best long-distance athletes competing in UAE capital on Dec. 16
Record 23,000 runners expected to take part in marathon, relay, 10 km, 5 km, 2.5 km races

Updated 17 November 2023

Arab News

November 17, 2023 11:28

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced the star-studded line-up of international runners for the fifth ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023.

An estimated 23,000 runners are expected to take part in the Dec. 16 event competing in the marathon (42.195 km), marathon relay, 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km races.

All races will commence at different locations near the ADNOC headquarters on Corniche Road and finish at the ADNOC Campus, near Bainuna public park.

Uganda’s Andrew Kwemoi, winner of the 2023 Milano Marathon — where he hit a personal best of 2:07:14 — will be joined by Kenya’s Kiptum Barnabas, who finished first in both the 2019 Hong Kong Marathon and the Buenos Aires Marathon in 2017. Barnabas’ compatriot, Leonard Barsoton, will also be competing in this year’s race, having set his own personal best of 2:09:06 in 2023.

The women’s race will feature Ethopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba, the 10 km Olympic champion 2017 Chicago Marathon winner. Joining her in the strong elite female line-up, also from Ethiopia, will be Hawi Feysa (2:23:38), and Maurine Chepkemoi from Kenya, the 2022 Enschede Marathon winner.

Suhail Al-Arifi, executive director of the events sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are thrilled to welcome a group of top international runners for the upcoming fifth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon next month.

“Their participation highlights the event’s significance locally and globally. The presence of well-known runners in this year’s line-up reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s and the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon’s success in gaining international recognition in long-distance running.

“We’re delighted to invite people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us in celebrating physical fitness.

“Regardless of your fitness level, there’s a distance tailored just for you. We encourage everyone to be part of this enriching sports day on the streets of Abu Dhabi, the global capital of sports,” Al-Arifi added.

This year’s Marathon Village will again be located at ADNOC headquarters and will be accessible from Dec. 12 up until race day on Dec. 16.

Topics: ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023 marathon

Arsenal pay price for Rice red card, Villa too good for Leicester

Updated 43 sec ago

August 31, 2024 16:12

Arsenal pay price for Rice red card, Villa too good for Leicester

Updated 43 sec ago

August 31, 2024 16:12

LONDON: Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge hit its first stumbling block in a 1-1 draw with Brighton after Declan Rice was sent-off on Saturday, while Aston Villa won 2-1 away at Leicester.
Both Arsenal and Brighton had maximum points from their opening two games and the Gunners looked set for another victory when Kai Havertz pounced on a Lewis Dunk error to lob in the opening goal.
However, the game turned just seconds into the second half when Rice controversially received the first red card of his career.
The England midfielder was deemed to have kicked the ball away as Joel Veltman shaped up to take a Brighton free-kick and was shown a second yellow card.
“I was amazed, amazed, amazed!” an outraged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “Amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be.
“In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens. Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan, he turns around, he doesn’t see the player coming and he touches the ball.”
Brighton quickly made their man advantage count as Joao Pedro swept home the rebound after David Raya denied Yankuba Minteh.
Both sides had chances to win it as Bart Verbruggen denied Havertz and Georginio Rutter headed off target late on for the visitors.
But Arsenal had to settle for a point that could see them cede early ground in the title race.
Defending champions Manchester City can go top when the visit West Ham in Saturday’s 1630GMT kick-off.
Villa bounced back from their defeat to Arsenal last weekend to secure their second win in three games.
Amadou Onana stretched to turn in Jacob Ramsey’s cross from a well-worked free-kick to open the scoring.
Ollie Watkins is yet to find the net this season after helping England to the Euro 2024 final, but his understudy Jhon Duran has started the campaign in fine form.
The Colombian’s towering header just two minutes after replacing Watkins gave Villa the breathing space they needed.
Facundo Buonanotte pulled a goal back, but the Foxes remain winless on their return to the Premier League.
Southampton have found the jump up to the top flight just as hard.
Brentford eased past the Saints 3-1 with Bryan Mbeumo scoring twice.
Everton suffered another gut punch on their final season at Goodison Park as Bournemouth came from 2-0 down after 87 minutes to win 3-2.
Two quickfire goals from Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin early in the second half had put the Toffees in control.
But Antoine Semenyo gave Bournemouth life before Lewis Cook and Luis Sinisterra ensured Everton remain without a point this season.
Ipswich got their first Premier League point in 22 years in a 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Liam Delap put the home side in front at Portman Road but Adama Traore secured a draw for Fulham.
Honours were also even in a 1-1 draw between Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Manchester United host Liverpool in the blockbuster fixture of the weekend at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Lando Norris sets up chance to chop Max Verstappen’s F1 lead with Italian GP pole

Updated 8 min 20 sec ago

AFP

August 31, 2024 16:10

Lando Norris sets up chance to chop Max Verstappen’s F1 lead with Italian GP pole

Briton Norris claimed his fourth pole of the season, and second in succession
Verstappen’s troubles continued, the Dutchman complaining on the team radio about steering and lack of grip

Updated 8 min 20 sec ago

AFP

August 31, 2024 16:10

MONZA, Italy: Lando Norris gave himself a great chance to further cut Max Verstappen’s Formula One championship lead by taking pole position for the Italian Grand Prix on Saturday.
Trailing by 70 points in the drivers’ standings, Norris clocked one minute 19.327 seconds in a one-two with teammate Oscar Piastri, as Red Bull’s Verstappen finished nearly seven-tenths of a second behind in seventh.
Briton Norris claimed his fourth pole of the season, and second in succession, in a car which looks capable of a similar result as at last weekend’s Dutch GP, when he romped home to victory nearly 23 seconds ahead of the three-time champion Verstappen.
A dominant display from Norris and Piastri is great news for McLaren who are only 30 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship.
“Another pole which is amazing. To have two cars first and second when the field is as tight as it has been all weekend is a surprise, but a nice one,” said Norris.
“My lap, it hurts me to say, wasn’t a great lap. So a bit surprised at the end but very happy.”
Verstappen’s troubles continued, the Dutchman complaining on the team radio about steering and lack of grip on the newly laid tarmac at the Temple of Speed.
The 26-year-old has failed to win any of the last five GPs — only finishing on the podium in two — after claiming the honors at seven of the first 10.
George Russell will sit on the second row for Mercedes alongside Ferrari driver and home hope Charles Leclerc while Lewis Hamilton was one place and 0.509sec ahead of Verstappen in the second Mercedes.
Hamilton is racing for the last time at Monza as a Mercedes driver and Ferrari fans will be keen to see how the 39-year-old will perform on Sunday ahead of his move to the Scuderia at the end of the year.
Mercedes announced on Saturday morning that Hamilton would be replaced by teenage rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has had an eventful weekend after crashing and damaging Russell’s car in Friday’s first practice.
The Italian, who celebrated his 18th birthday last weekend, nearly crashed out of his Formula Two sprint race almost straight after the start, but managed to get back on the track and finish in 18th.
Another rookie Franco Colapinto will have a tough debut F1 race after replacing struggling Logan Sargeant who was axed by Williams after a disastrous weekend at Zandvoort.
The 21-year-old is the first Argentine driver to compete in F1 for over two decades but will start way back in 18th after being eliminated in Q1.

Topics: Motorsport Formula One Formula 1 F1 Italy Italian Grand Prix McLaren Lando Norris

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Updated 31 August 2024

John Duerden

August 31, 2024 15:40

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

The England international was wanted by several Premier League clubs but will now form a formidable forward line with Riyadh Mahrez and Roberto Firmino in Jeddah

Updated 31 August 2024

John Duerden

August 31, 2024 15:40

LONDON: The future of Ivan Toney has been one of the talking points of the summer. It has now been settled. The England striker has signed for Al-Ahli in a deal that is meaningful both on and off the pitch for the player, the club, and the Saudi Pro League.

A front-line of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Toney is one that no defense in the world would relish facing, but it is one that the 17 other SPL teams will have to deal with in the coming season. The Jeddah giants swooped for Toney on Friday, doing a deal with Brentford that will keep the forward, who scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for the club, in Jeddah until 2028.

The 28-year-old is not the biggest name to head to Saudi Arabia since Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world by joining Al-Nassr in December 2022. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Neymar have won some of the biggest prizes in the game, and all play in the SPL. Mahrez joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City, who were European champions at the time; Benzema was the Ballon D’Or holder when he headed to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid; and Kante is a World Cup winner. Toney joins Al-Ahli from Brentford, a mid-level — at best — English Premier League team.

Brentford may not be title challengers, but there were teams who are — such as Arsenal — who were very interested in Toney. The Gunners may regret missing out. Brentford are also sure to be happier selling their star forward to a club in a different league and not having to put their fans through the painful experience of Toney coming back to West London to do what he does best: score goals.

What will please Al-Ahli fans is that this is a star player, in demand, moving from the English Premier League at what should be the peak of his career. Toney has already shown that he is a force to be reckoned with, scoring against some of the best defenses in the world while playing for one of the league’s smaller teams that had, until just over three years ago, never played in the Premier League. In the 2022-23 season, only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more.

Last season wasn’t so memorable for the Northampton-born striker who worked his way up through the lower leagues to reach the top. He was banned for most of it for gambling offences.

The inactivity perhaps cost him time with the national team but he still played a part as England reached the final of the European championships, and his no-look penalty in the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals made headlines around the world.

His prowess from the spot (he has scored 30 out of 32 in non-shootout situations) is just one reason why fans will be excited. Toney is not just a recognized talent but one with something to prove. He still wants to show whoever the new permanent England boss is going to be that he deserves to be starting for his country.

The SPL was well-represented at the Euros and Toney will have seen first-hand how solid Al-Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte was as the defender impressed in the final when Spain defeated England 2-1.

Toney will have a chance to make up for that disappointment with trophies. Al-Ahli finished third last season, a good showing on their return to the top tier after a surprise relegation. The platform is there for a genuine challenge for their first championship since 2016 and there is also the AFC Champions League to look forward to. The forward line is not just mouthwatering on paper, but should spell danger for defenses around across Asia.

Mahrez recorded more assists than any other player in the league last season. The two should relish playing together. Then there is Firmino, now looking fully settled into life in Jeddah. Toney is not only great in the air and a deadly finisher, but can play as a single striker or part of a pair. A potential partnership with Firas Al-Buraikan, the top-scoring Saudi striker last season with an impressive 17 goals, will have Al-Ahli’s famous green army of fans rubbing their hands in anticipation.

They, as well as Toney, could be in for quite a season.

Topics: Saudi Pro League (SPL) Ivan Toney Al-Ahli

Mehidy’s five wickets give Bangladesh second Test edge over Pakistan

Updated 31 August 2024

AFP

August 31, 2024 14:25

Mehidy’s five wickets give Bangladesh second Test edge over Pakistan

The 26-year-old recorded his 10th five-wicket haul in Tests to cap a good day for the tourists
The series is part of World Test Championship, with Pakistan ranked 8th and Bangladesh 7th

Updated 31 August 2024

AFP

August 31, 2024 14:25

RAWALPINDI: Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed five wickets to help Bangladesh skittle Pakistan for 274 on the second day of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
The 26-year-old recorded his 10th five-wicket haul in Tests to cap a good day for the tourists, who are looking to win only their third away series.
Bangladesh finished the day on 10-0 despite opener Shadman Islam being dropped by Saud Shakeel off Mir Hamza on the first ball of the innings.
But it was Bangladesh’s bowlers who steered them to a strong position.
Mehidy dismissed Pakistan captain Shan Masood for 57 and opener Saim Ayub for 58 after the home team had been well-placed on 99-1 at lunch.
He produced match-turning figures of 4-21 in Bangladesh’s 10-wicket win in the first Test a week ago, and snared Khurram Shahzad for 12 and then Mohammad Ali and Abrar Ahmed to end the innings with 5-61.
Mehidy was ably assisted by fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who took 3-57.
Agha Salman, dropped on nought by Zakir Hasan off Shakib Al Hasan, was Taskin’s third wicket after scoring 54 with three boundaries and two sixes.
Taskin said he was happy to be back in the longer format of Test cricket.
“It’s a good sporting pitch and we need to bat the full day and get a good lead,” Taskin said.
“It’s great to be back in red ball (cricket) after one-and-a-half years. I enjoyed that and adapted well.”
Salman said the pitch was better than the first Test track and should provide help for the spin bowlers.
“Unlike the first Test, this wicket has lively grass and I believe we have enough runs,” he said.
Desperate for a win to level the two-match series, Pakistan started well but lost wickets at regular intervals to slump from a relatively strong 107-1 on a greenish but slow Rawalpindi pitch.
Taskin bowled first Test centurion Saud Shakeel for 16, the left-hander having already survived a dropped catch by Mehidy off Nahid Rana on one.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s best batter, fell leg-before to spinner Shakib Al Hasan for 31, having now gone 15 Test innings without a half-century.
The first day’s play on Friday was washed out due to rain but Pakistan shone with solid batting in the first session.
Masood, under pressure after scores of six and 14 in the first Test, hit two boundaries before he fell leg-before to Mehidy in the third over after the lunch break.
Fellow left-hander Ayub was more aggressive, hitting two sixes and four boundaries before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Liton Das off Mehidy.
Taskin, brought in for the unfit Shoriful Islam as Bangladesh’s only change, bowled Abdullah Shafique for nought off the sixth ball of the match.
Bangladesh’s 10-wicket win in the first Test, also in Rawalpindi, was their first over Pakistan in 14 attempts.
Pakistan made two changes from the first Test, resting spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah to bring in pace bowler Hamza and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
The two-match series is part of the World Test Championship, with Pakistan now ranked eighth and Bangladesh seventh in the nine-team table.

Topics: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Rawalpindi Test

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

Updated 31 August 2024

ALAM KHAN

August 31, 2024 12:42

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

The 32-year-old midfielder has not played for his country since winning his ninth international against Tunisia last September

Updated 31 August 2024

ALAM KHAN

August 31, 2024 12:42

Sam Morsy may have fulfilled a dream of playing in the Premier League, but the Egyptian will not rest on his laurels as he looks to return to the international fold.

The Ipswich Town captain has not played for his country since last September, winning his ninth cap against Tunisia.

But Morsy has not given up hope, despite being overlooked for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cape Verde and Botswana in September.

The 32-year-old midfielder knows his best chance of a recall to Hossam Hassan’s side is to prove his worth in the top flight against some of the world’s best players.

“There’s not a better league in world football to show what I can do,” said Morsy, who led Ipswich to successive promotions from League One and the Championship.

“If I can do well at this level, it will probably be quite hard for the Egypt manager to leave me out.

“Of course I want to play for Egypt again — that’s always my ambition. Unfortunately I didn’t get called up to this squad for September, but look, you don’t want to be too greedy.

“I want to enjoy my time here with Ipswich and I’ll be ready when called upon.”

Wolverhampton-born Morsy, who qualifies for Egypt through his father Mekawy, made his national team debut in 2016 against Guinea.

He was part of Egypt’s World Cup squad for the 2018 finals in Russia, making an appearance against Uruguay.

And Morsy has targeted another appearance on football’s biggest stage when Canada, Mexico and the US host the tournament in 2026.

“Of course it’s a dream to play in the next World Cup,” he told Arab News exclusively. “I played in the 2018 one and it was a really proud moment and I’d love to get the opportunity again.

“But there’s a lot of time and a lot of work to get there. I will keep working hard and see what happens.”

Morsy has certainly worked hard to reach the top flight, having spent most of his career in the lower leagues at clubs such as Port Vale, Chesterfield, Wigan, Middlesbrough and then Ipswich.

And he has strived to improve even more by taking advice from Egypt and Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah.

“Mohamed’s an amazing guy,” said Morsy. “He’s always helped me, given me loads of advice, always an ear to listen to.

“I’ve quizzed him on many many things and he was always helpful, as he is now.

“I ask loads of things, technical things, physical things, recovery things and he is always on hand to help, like he is with all the national team. He’s just a fantastic human being.”

Salah and Liverpool ruined Ipswich’s return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence with a 2-0 opening-day league win.

That was followed by a 4-1 loss at an Erling Haaland-inspired Manchester City.

But Morsy said he and Ipswich — who host Fulham on Saturday at Portman Road — can only learn from facing English football’s finest.

“Playing in this league and against the best players is definitely what I’ve always dreamed of — that’s the level you want,” he said.

“In any walk of life really you want to push yourself and test yourself. This is the best these last two league games, especially the game against Manchester City.

“It’s against the best in the world, people we watch every week and there’s loads of things for us to work on and improve on.

“We want to have a good season. Last season we got promoted and that’s a good thing, but what we can do this time, who knows?

“We don’t want to put a ceiling on it. Always your first goal is to remain in the division, but we want to be competitive and win a lot of games.”

Topics: English Premier League (EPL) Ipswich

Elite runners confirmed for 5th Abu Dhabi Marathon

Elite runners confirmed for 5th Abu Dhabi Marathon

Kenya’s Edwin Kiptoo wins Athens Marathon in a course record of 2:10:34

Record 23,000 runners expected at ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2023

Arsenal pay price for Rice red card, Villa too good for Leicester

Arsenal pay price for Rice red card, Villa too good for Leicester

Lando Norris sets up chance to chop Max Verstappen’s F1 lead with Italian GP pole

Lando Norris sets up chance to chop Max Verstappen’s F1 lead with Italian GP pole

Brilliant Lando Norris stuns Max Verstappen to win Dutch Grand Prix

Lando Norris on pole as McLaren lock out ‘sweet’ Hungarian Grand Prix front row

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Ronaldo on target but Al-Nassr kick off Saudi Pro League season with disappointing draw

Saudi Pro League 2024-25: The best, the hopefuls and the rest

Mehidy’s five wickets give Bangladesh second Test edge over Pakistan

Mehidy’s five wickets give Bangladesh second Test edge over Pakistan

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

Vardy scores on Premier League return as Leicester holds Tottenham to 1-1 draw

Latest updates

Egypt bolsters defenses against cholera threat

Arsenal pay price for Rice red card, Villa too good for Leicester

Lando Norris sets up chance to chop Max Verstappen’s F1 lead with Italian GP pole

Saudi royal reserve opens pavilion at hunting and equestrian exhibition in Abu Dhabi

Flooding, landslides kill 27 in Yemeni village

Recommended

How Riyadh’s new King Salman Park will provide an urban haven for flora and fauna

There is a lot to gain if EU and GCC work together more closely, European Council President Charles Michel tells Arab News

The roadblocks slowing ICC prosecutor’s pursuit of justice for Israel-Hamas war crimes

Search form

Print Edition

Search form

Search form

You are here

Elite runners confirmed for 5th Abu Dhabi Marathon

Elite runners confirmed for 5th Abu Dhabi Marathon

Related

Arsenal pay price for Rice red card, Villa too good for Leicester

Lando Norris sets up chance to chop Max Verstappen’s F1 lead with Italian GP pole

Related

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Related

Mehidy’s five wickets give Bangladesh second Test edge over Pakistan

Sam Morsy hoping success with Ipswich in Premier League will lead to Egypt recall

Related

Latest updates

Recommended

Search form

Print Edition