Doha, Qatar: The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is set to return on February 16, marking its evolution into the biggest community event with an expected 10,000 participants — surpassing last year’s impressive turnout of 8,000.
In a press conference yesterday, Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Director of PR, Sponsorships, and CSR at Ooredoo Qatar, said that this yearly event, inaugurated in 2013, has now achieved the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Road Race status.
Emphasising the role of the marathon in Ooredoo’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, he stressed its aim to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle. “The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is the largest community sporting event in Qatar, and we invite everyone to join us in promoting sports, and healthy lifestyle,” Al Kuwari told The Peninsula. He also said their tally shows that over 86 nationalities have participated in the race since its inception.
Currently, the marathon is on the 17th place in the world in 2023 in the elite racing category. Having achieved the World Athletics Gold Label, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo now stands among the elite global road races, offering qualification opportunities for international events like the Boston Marathon.
Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, President of Qatar Athletics Federation, expressed pride in witnessing the Doha Marathon ascend to World Athletics Gold status, stating that it not only elevates the event but also enhances Doha’s standing on the global sporting stage.
Abdullah Al Dosari, a representative of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Director of Sports Activities and Events at the Qatar Sports for All Federation, said the 2024 edition builds upon the success of previous years, solidifying the marathon’s position in the community and Qatar’s growing influence in hosting major sporting events.
The event, featuring six race categories, aims to be inclusive, catering to all ages and abilities, including competitors with disabilities. With race timings ranging from the full marathon to junior and kids’ races, the marathon embraces inclusivity and community spirit.
Scheduled to kick off at 6:15am, the marathon will traverse a scenic route along the picturesque Corniche, starting and ending at Hotel Park. The event’s ‘Race Village’ at Hotel Park will open five days prior, beginning on February 12, just ahead of Qatar National Sport Day.
The Al ADAAM category, in partnership with the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), will hand out special awards to encourage local athletes. Additionally, two new Volkswagen cars will be given away as prizes, with all participants entered into the raffle upon finishing their race. The total prize money for the competition is a whooping QR500,000.
Registration for the event is open, and those interested can sign up at dohamarathonooredoo.com.
