Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured 17 runners from the UAE after they competed in the Boston and London marathons last month.
The group included UAE nationals and residents who took part in two of the best-known road races in world athletics.
Sheikh Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, met the runners in Abu Dhabi and praised their commitment to representing the country overseas.
He said their participation showed the progress being made in community sport across the UAE, with more local runners now testing themselves at major international events.
The Boston Marathon took place on April 20 and drew more than 30,000 runners from around the world. It remains the world’s oldest annual marathon and is one of the sport’s most recognised races.
The London Marathon followed on April 26, with more than 50,000 runners taking part in front of large crowds across the city.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed honoured 17 UAE runners
Sheikh Nahyan said Abu Dhabi Sports Council would continue to back athletes and support wider participation in sport. He said performances like these can encourage future generations to stay active and aim higher.
The runners thanked Sheikh Nahyan for the recognition and said the Boston and London marathons gave them valuable experience on the international stage.
They also credited the Abu Dhabi Running Team and the community race calendar organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Those events, held across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, have helped build a stronger running scene in the emirate.
