DOHA: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has announced that it will launch the 1st QOC Half Marathon on the occasion of the 2025 National Sports Day on Feb 11, 2025.The announcement came in a press conference on Tuesday, during which QOC said that registration for the event is now open and detailed all organizational and technical aspects pertaining to the Half Marathon.
During the press conference, president of the QOC Half Marathon 2025 organizing committee Sheikh Suhaim bin Mohammed Al Thani said that the National Sports Day reflects the wise leadership's insights with regards to the importance of sports and its role in investing in human capital and establishing a healthy society, one which is capable of contributing actively to the comprehensive development of the country in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Sheikh Suhaim bin Mohammed Al Thani invited everyone, including athletes, amateurs, and families to participate in this unique event, which aims to enhance community interaction and achieve common goals in promoting a culture of sports and physical activity in Qatar.
He expressed his thanks to partners and all those who facilitated making this event a success, emphasizing QOC's commitment to providing a unique sporting experience in line with the significance of the occasion and Qatar's leading role in supporting sports and society.
For his part, executive director of the Qatar Athletics Federation Khalid Rashid Al Marri said that the Half Marathon is expected to witness the participation of 8,000 people of all genders, age groups, and community sectors.
Al Marri added that holding this event comes as an embodiment of QOC's slogan 'Sport for Life', stemming from a firm belief in the importance of sports in improving physical, mental, and psychological health, and in advancing societies to new prospects of prosperity and progress.
Moreover, He invited all segments of society to register and participate in the Half Marathon, and make sports an integral part of their lifestyles.
In turn, Assistant Director of the Sports Events Department at QOC Salah Mahmoud Al Saadi said that the event is open to males and females aged 6 and above, noting that the target is to have more than 10,000 participants.Al Saadi pointed out that the 1st QOC Half Marathon 2025 will be held at Lusail Boulevard due to that location having hosted various events and shows during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup 2024.
Head of Media Relations at QOC Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Thani said that organizing this event stems from the great attention that QOC attaches to the National Sports Day, highlighting its role as a key partner in achieving the Qatar Nation Vision 2030 and raising awareness of the importance of sports for both individuals and communities.