Tribune News Network
Doha
Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider, announced the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025 will kick off on Friday, January 17, starting at Hotel Park and taking runners along Doha’s picturesque Corniche. As part of the event, a full day for youth races, including kids and juniors, will also take place on Thursday, January 16 at Hotel Park.
The announcement came at a press conference attended by Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee.
Al Kuwari said: "Thank you for joining us today as we unveil the exciting details of the upcoming Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025. The event has grown over the years to become a local and regional landmark and is already the largest sporting and community event in Qatar.”
Sharing the times and places of this year’s Marathon, he added: "Today, we are pleased to announce that the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025 will kick off on Friday, January 17, and take runners along Doha’s stunning Corniche, starting and finishing at Hotel Park. This route was carefully chosen as per the recommendations of the relevant committee.”
As for the marathon categories, Al Kuwari said: "4 categories are included in the Doha Marathon: 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and 42 kilometers.
Additionally, individuals with disabilities can participate in distances up to 21 kilometres, with free registration available for this category. He also highlighted the ongoing support for Qatari participants through the ‘Al Adaam’ category, now in its third consecutive year, offering special cash prizes.
He further noted that the total prize pool will exceed one million Qatari riyals, including two Toyota cars to be raffled, with all race finishers automatically entering the raffle.
Commenting on the number of expected participants, he said: "We hope to welcome 15,000 runners this year. We encourage everyone to participate in this edition, especially with the early bird discount, available until October 30 on our dedicated Marathon website. As we have traditionally practiced for the past 12 years, part of the registration proceeds of the Doha Marathon will go to charity.”
Mohammed Essa Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, said: "There is no doubt that the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is one of the most successful sporting events, with new ideas and sponsors introduced each year.”
He added that most Elite runners have indicated their preference to participate in the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo as the course is ideal, with fewer curves compared to those in European countries.
The President of the Athletics Federation also announced that the top three winners of the "Al Adaam” category will be invited to participate in future marathons organised by the Federation. He concluded by stating that the next milestone would be for the Marathon to achieve Platinum Label.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, Major Fahad Bouhendi Al Harami, reiterated that participants’ safety remains the top priority and said that entry and exit points will be set up to ensure a smooth traffic flow.
The Marathon Village will open on January 14, and participants can collect their race kits until January 16. The village will also feature a variety of entertainment activities for people to enjoy.
A new feature has been added to this year’s Doha Marathon, as a full day of youth races will take place on Thursday, January 16, at Hotel Park.
Each participant will also receive personal photos and videos immediately after crossing the finish line, along with a timing certificate to commemorate their achievement.
In conclusion, Al Kuwari expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and partners for their invaluable support of the marathon. Platinum Sponsors include Visit Qatar, Al Abdulghani Motors, New Balance, and Katara Hospitality, while The Korean Medical Center joined as Gold Sponsor, and The Ministry of Interior and Qatar Athletics Federation as Supporting Partners. Silver Sponsors include Qatar Insurance Company, Elan Group, Rayyan Water, and Qommunication.