Qatari occasion is ready to welcome 20,000 contributors, that includes expanded group initiatives and a QR 1 million prize pool.
As race day approaches, Ooredoo hosted a recap press convention on the Fairmont Resort, presenting last updates for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026, set to happen on Friday January 16, at Resort Park alongside Doha’s Corniche.
Opening the press convention, Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee, shared key highlights of the upcoming version, outlining the occasion’s progress, worldwide recognition, and group influence.
“As we put together to welcome 20,000 runners from 160 nationalities, together with 2,200 worldwide contributors travelling from outdoors Qatar, our focus will not be solely on delivering a world-class sporting occasion, however on creating an expertise that displays Qatar’s values of inclusion, care, and collective satisfaction,” mentioned Al-Kuwari.
A race for each age and degree
The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 options 5 race classes, providing alternatives for runners of all ages and talents throughout the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km distances.
Free entry continues to be supplied to contributors with disabilities for races as much as 21km, reinforcing the marathon’s inclusive strategy. The favored ‘Al Adaam’ class additionally returns for the fourth consecutive 12 months, devoted solely to Qatari runners, with particular money prizes awarded to prime finishers in recognition of native expertise and nationwide satisfaction.
Neighborhood-focused initiatives will as soon as once more take centre stage, together with the Youngsters’ Enjoyable Run and the Blue Race, held on Thursday January 15, in collaboration with the Autism Dad and mom Platform. The Blue Race affords a devoted and supportive surroundings for kids with autism, reflecting the marathon’s dedication to accessibility and significant participation.
Runner expertise, new options and awards
The runner expertise begins properly earlier than race day. From January 13-16, the Marathon Village at Resort Park will function the central hub for contributors and guests alike. Open day by day from 3-9pm, it’ll host race equipment assortment, alongside family-friendly actions, reside leisure, wellness zones, and meals and beverage shops, making a vibrant and welcoming environment.
On race day, the marathon route begins and ends at Resort Park, providing runners scenic views of Doha’s iconic Corniche skyline. Individuals can have entry to hydration stations each 3km, on-site medical protection, volunteer assist, and complete security protocols all through the course.
Throughout the press convention, Moza Khalid Al-Muhannadi, Member of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee, added: “For a lot of runners, this marathon represents a private milestone — whether or not it’s their first race, a brand new distance, or a second shared with household and associates. To mark this achievement, we launched non-obligatory medal engraving this 12 months on the Marathon Village, permitting contributors to personalise their finisher medals with their title, race class, and ending time, making a significant souvenir of the expertise.”
All runners will even obtain official timing certificates that includes their title, race class, and end time. As well as, the marathon has partnered with Sportograf, a number one worldwide sports activities pictures platform, to seize skilled motion photographs alongside the route and on the end line.
The 2026 version will function a complete prize pool of greater than QR 1,000,000 (£204,000) throughout race classes. As well as, two Toyota Prado 2026 autos, supplied by Al Abdulghani Motors, will probably be raffled amongst finishers. The awards ceremony will happen on Friday January 16, at 10:30am on the Marathon Village, bringing race week to a memorable shut.
Logistics, site visitors and security coordination
Security and site visitors administration stay a prime precedence for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026, with a complete plan in place in coordination with the Ministry of Inside and related authorities.
On the bottom, marshals and volunteers will information runners and spectators, guaranteeing adherence to designated routes and security protocols.
Free parking will probably be accessible at Ashghal, Kahramaa, DECC, and the Ministry of Municipality, whereas paid parking choices will probably be accessible at Metropolis Centre and Gate Mall. Individuals and spectators are inspired to carpool or use designated drop-off factors the place potential to assist ease site visitors stream.
As race day attracts close to, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 guarantees achievements, inspiration, and a way of unity that reach properly past the end line, marking one other significant chapter within the marathon’s rising legacy.
