Jassim al-Rumaihi, Secretary General, Al Sadd, and chairman of the Organizing Committee of Qatar Mega Marathon, at the press conference announcing the launch of the global race. Also present at the press conference were Fahad al-Kuwari, member of the Board of Directors of Al Sadd Club, Rashid al-Ansari of Qatar Athletics Federation and Pravin Patel, adjudicator from Guinness Book of World Records.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Al Sadd Sports Club launched the huge sporting event ‘Qatar Mega Marathon’ under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, Chairman of Al Sadd Sports Club. During a press conference that was held yesterday in its premises and attended by Jassim al-Rumaihi, General Secretary of Al Sadd Sports Club and the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Marathon and Fahed al-Kuwari, Board Member and a former star of Al Sadd Sports Club and Guinness World Records Representative.
Al-Rumaihi asserted that organising Qatar Mega Marathon represents the club’s commitment to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Emir of the State, sheds light on the importance of sport in the lives of nations and societies, represents the club’s commitment to the Pillars of Qatar National Vision (2030), aiming to an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all its people. It encourages the spirit of sharing and volunteering in the social events, in order to fulfil the aspect of social responsibility as well as adapting a healthy lifestyle.
He stated that ‘Qatar Mega Marathon’ – (Run With Qatar) is an international event that will be held for the first time in Qatar and the Arab World targeting all segments and all ages of the Qatari society. The event will be held on Friday, 6th February 2015 and the closing ceremony will be on the National Sports Day, Tuesday 10th February 2015.
Al Sadd Sports Club is attempting to break the world record and allow the State of Qatar to enter Guinness World Records with regards to the most runners participating in a marathon.
Al-Rumaihi said: “The idea behind organising ‘Qatar Mega Marathon’ is to send a message to the whole world presenting Qatar’s ability to challenge and create miracles. Therefore, we accept the challenge through ‘Qatar Mega Marathon’ to reflect the true image of the State of Qatar to the whole world and to prove that Qatar is the region’s sports capital.” Stating that the event is encouraging the youth to participate in sporting events and adapt a healthy lifestyle.
Al-Rumaihi asserted that, “Qatar Mega Marathon embodies the true spirit of sport, which holds respect of winning and losing, durability, patience and challenge. Therefore, the goal doesn’t stop at breaking the world record. And if we couldn’t break the record, the honour of the attempt will be enough. We will accept the results with sporting spirit and promise to repeat the attempt.”
Responding to a question on the possibility of achieving this challenge on the ground, al-Rumaihi said, “Qatar has always accustomed to the challenge and making miracles. There is no doubt that this marathon in the way that we look forward to achieve is a considerable challenge. For this I invite everyone to participate in the marathon and run forward with Qatar.”
Qatar Mega Marathon 2015 brings ICSS on board to help safeguard GUINESS BOOK World Record attempt
The Qatar Mega Marathon 2015 also announced yesterday that it has brought on board the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) to help safeguard the event.
Building on its previous involvement with various large-scale mass participation events including the Boston Marathon, the ICSS will add its global sport safety and security expertise to the event, which will attempt to break the world record for the ‘Most Runners in a Marathon in the World’.
As part of the partnership with the Qatar Mega Marathon 2015, the ICSS’s Save the Dream initiative with also collaborate with the Qatar Mega Marathon 2015 to promote and protect the core values of sport amongst young people, as well as participants involved in the event.
Making the announcement al-Rumaihi conveyed his delight in having International Centre for Sport Security join the Qatar Mega Marathon 2015, saying: “It takes the Marathon to an international level and we give thanks to ICSS in joining such a huge event taking place on the eve of National Sport Day 2015.”
Also speaking at the press conference, Mohammed Hajaj al-Shahwani (Vice President, ICSS) praised the idea of organising the Qatar Mega Marathon 2015 as one of the key events taking place in the context of National Sport Day 2015 events.
He added: “The ICSS is proud to co-operate and contribute to the success of this joint initiative between Al Sadd Sports Club and Qatar Athletics Federation. The Qatar Mega Marathon is a great chance to show another side of the sport in Qatar and this collaboration reinforces our strong commitment at the ICSS to enhance best practice in sport safety and security, particularly at the high-profile events being held in the country.”
“As well as our involvement supporting the safety and security of the event, the ICSS is also proud to extend its other expertise to the Qatar Mega Marathon through our Save the Dream programme.
