The Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon 2024 kicked off at the break of dawn on Saturday, bringing together a sea of runners from all corners of the globe.
With over 31,800 participants, including men, women, and children, the event was a celebration of endurance, fitness, and the shared spirit of challenge.
Among the many stories unfolding at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, one stood out in particular — a man in a business suit.
At 5 a.m., as the race began, the streets of Abu Dhabi were lined with athletes ready to take on the full 42.1km marathon.
However, one runner, Sedique Ahamed, took the idea of a challenge to new heights by embarking on the journey in corporate attire — a sharp business suit, tie, and polished shoes.
His goal was to inspire employees and individuals everywhere to prioritize fitness, no matter their hectic schedules.
A Message of Motivation
Ahamed, 34, a full-time employee with the Adnoc Group, vowed to complete the entire marathon distance in the suit to show that exercise can fit into any lifestyle, no matter how demanding.
As the marathon began, Ahamed’s presence in formal wear was a striking symbol of determination.
“Many people say they don’t have time to exercise, but I want to show that it’s all about setting priorities. If I can run 42.1km in a suit, anyone can spare time for their health,” said Ahamed, who hails from India.
“If someone sees me running like this and feels motivated to start their own fitness journey, then I’ve succeeded in delivering my message; my aim is to demonstrate that balancing work and fitness is possible,” he added, reflecting on his inspiring mission.
Ahamed’s belief in the importance of fitness became clear as he shared how running had transformed his own life. A key moment in Ahamed’s journey came in 2018 during a solo backpacking trip to Europe.
“I was traveling on a low budget, so I walked everywhere, covering 20-25km a day. That experience inspired me to explore walking and running to stay active,” he recalled.
Upon returning to the UAE, he began running regularly, eventually developing a passion for the sport.
A Marathoner’s Journey
Since then, Ahamed has completed more than 25 full marathons and over 100 half marathons, becoming a renowned figure in the UAE running community.
He even had the honor of serving as the flag bearer for the UAE at the New York World Major Marathon. His marathon journey began officially in 2019, marking a milestone in his life.
“My first official marathon was in 2019, and it was an incredible experience. I discovered the true challenge and joy of running 42.2km, and it left me hooked; running has truly transformed my life,” he said, just before hitting the track in his business suit for the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon.
A Unique Feat
This wasn’t the first time Ahamed attempted a unique marathon challenge. In 2022, he completed the Abu Dhabi Marathon wearing a full coverall and helmet, intending to raise awareness about workplace safety. That feat was well received, and Ahamed’s message resonated with thousands.
“The response was amazing; that experience showed me the power of using marathons to deliver important messages. It’s a simple but impactful way to inspire change,” Ahamed noted.
His efforts were even recognized by the Indian Book of Records for his influence in promoting safety in the workplace. “It showed that even under physical and environmental pressures, commitment to safety must never waver,” he explained, reflecting on the broader impact of his actions.
“It made people think about the role of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) in their own work environments and encouraged discussions about safety culture in industries worldwide.”
Ahamed’s commitment to both fitness and social causes is unwavering. Another one of his remarkable achievements includes completing a 50km non-stop run on the UAE’s 50th National Day, a tribute to the nation he deeply admires.
Beyond the Race: Inspiring Change
Throughout all of Ahamed’s feats, his goal has remained the same: to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being.
His unique approach of incorporating everyday attire or gear into his runs is designed to draw attention and spark conversations about health, fitness, and safety.
“Through my unique runs, like wearing a business suit or PPE coverall, I aim to grab attention and spark conversations,” he explained.
As he crossed the finish line of the Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, Ahamed had completed yet another milestone, not just for himself, but for the countless individuals he continues to inspire.
“Determination and perseverance can make anything possible. My message is simple: make time for your health, no matter what your day-to-day responsibilities are.”
The Winners’ Circle
While Ahamed’s inspiring run in a business suit captured the attention of the crowd, the race was a true test of athleticism for all participants. The marathon’s elite runners delivered extraordinary performances, with Ethiopia’s Chala Regasa crowned the winner in the men’s category. Regasa completed the full marathon in a time of 2:06:34, edging out over 3,000 other marathoners to secure his victory.
In the women’s category, Kenya’s Catherine Reline claimed victory with a time of 2:20:34, marking her first-ever marathon win. Reline’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, as she made her marathon debut in style. The Kenyan athlete’s success on the global stage helped to solidify the continued dominance of East African runners in long-distance events.
A Celebration of Health and Fitness
This year’s Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon was a celebration not only of speed and endurance but also of community spirit and personal achievements.
Over 31,800 athletes took part, some running for competition, others for personal milestones, but all for the shared goal of promoting health and fitness.
For Ahamed, however, it was about delivering a message: that no matter the constraints of work or life, prioritizing one’s health and well-being is within everyone’s reach.
As the sun rose over the Corniche, thousands of runners, including Ahamed in his business suit, exemplified what it means to balance work and health, and, ultimately, how determination and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
“To inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being, proving that with determination, nothing is impossible,” he concluded.
The Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon 2024 was, indeed, a showcase of human potential — not just in terms of athletic achievement but in how individuals can motivate and inspire others to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members