The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said some roads will remain closed to traffic until 12noon on Friday to facilitate the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, organised by the Qatar Athletics Federation.
In an advisory on social media, the MoI said motorists are advised to pay attention to the closure of some roads - Corniche, Katara, The Pearl Island and Lusail - due to the marathon. The closure runs from 3am until 12noon.
"We advise those who use these routes to use alternative roads during the closure period. Traffic patrols will be placed to regulate traffic movement surrounding the marathon tracks," the ministry said.
The starting gun for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo – one of the most hotly anticipated events of Doha’s sporting calendar – goes off at 6.15am today with local running enthusiasts lining up alongside elite international athletes at the start line.
All categories of the event sold out well in advance, with 8,000 runners participating across the range of distances from the 1km kids’ race to the full 42.2km marathon. The event kicks off at Parade Pavilion, The Amir's Grandstand, Al Corniche, with runners then heading towards Katara, Lusail and back to Al Corniche.
The full marathon starts at 6.15am, followed by the half marathon at 6.30am. The 10km category kicks off at 8.50am, with the starter’s gun going off for the 5km category at 9.40am. Finally, the 1km category for kids begins at 10.30am. Page 12