Ooredoo Qatar prepares for largest-ever Doha Marathon

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, scheduled on February 16, is set to welcome over 10,000 participants.
Now a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, this year's marathon will witness the return of brand ambassador and Olympic high jump champion, Mutaz Barshim, alongside an elite field of athletes.
With six race categories, the event is designed to be inclusive, catering to all ages and abilities—from the full marathon to junior and kids’ races. Competitors with disabilities are encouraged to join, a statement said Wednesday.
The marathon will begin at 6.15am, half marathon at 7.30am, 10km (8.30am), 5km (9.10am), Junior 5km (13–17-year-olds, 9.10am), and Kids 1km (under 13-year-olds,10.30am).
This year’s event features an Al Adaam category, in partnership with the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), bestowing special awards to encourage local athletes.
Two new Volkswagen cars will also be given away as prizes, with all participants who finish their race being entered into the raffle. One of two cars will be allocated to Al Adaam category.
The race will begin and end at Hotel Park, providing a scenic route along Doha Corniche. ‘The Race Village’ at Hotel Park will be open for five days starting on February 12, ahead of Qatar National Sport Day.
The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo has grown exponentially since 2013, aligning with Qatar’s flourishing health and fitness industry and the nation’s growing stature in hosting major sporting events. 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 such as the Boston Marathon.
Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, director of PR, Sponsorships, and CSR at Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Our 5km race alone has attracted over 3,000 runners, reflecting the marathon's inclusive nature. "
Mohamed Issa al-Fadala, Qatar Athletics Federation president, added: "We are proud to see the Doha Marathon ascend to World Athletics Gold status, joining the ranks of renowned marathons worldwide. This elevates not only the event but also the city of Doha on the international sporting stage."
Abdullah al-Dosari, representative of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Director of Sports Activities and Events at the Qatar Sports for All Federation, confirmed that The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2024 builds upon the success of a renowned community athletics event that has held a prominent position in the sports scene for numerous years.