Cheima Moufdil
Ooredoo, Qatar’s premier telecommunications provider, has announced the much-anticipated Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025, which is set to take place on Friday, January 17. Starting from Hotel Park and weaving its way along the stunning Doha Corniche, the marathon promises to bring together runners from across the globe, highlighting the event's status as a major sporting and community fixture in Qatar. In line with the growing enthusiasm for youth participation, a full day of races for kids and juniors is also scheduled for Thursday, January 16, at the same venue.
Building on a Legacy
At the official press conference, Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee, underscored the event’s importance: “The Doha Marathon has grown to become a local and regional landmark, cementing itself as the largest sporting and community event in Qatar. We are proud to host this celebration of athleticism and community spirit, and we’re thrilled to announce exciting new developments for the 2025 edition.”
This year’s marathon will feature four categories: 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and the full marathon of 42 kilometers. In addition to encouraging mass participation, the event will also continue to make strides in inclusivity, offering individuals with disabilities the opportunity to compete in distances up to 21 kilometers, with free registration available for these participants.
Al Adaam: Supporting Qatari Athletes
A special focus remains on nurturing Qatari athletes through the "Al Adaam" category, which is now in its third year. This initiative, named after Qatar's national team, offers special cash prizes to top local runners, ensuring that local talent is both encouraged and rewarded. Mohammed Essa Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, emphasized that the federation is dedicated to creating opportunities for Qatari runners, adding that the top three finishers in the Al Adaam category will receive invitations to future marathons organized by the federation.
A Grand Prize and Global Appeal
With over 15,000 participants expected to take part, the 2025 edition of the Doha Marathon is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Not only will runners enjoy a scenic route along the Corniche, but they will also have the chance to win incredible prizes, including two Toyota cars that will be raffled to race finishers. The total prize pool exceeds one million Qatari Riyals, further cementing the marathon's appeal.
Elite runners from around the world have already expressed interest, with the course’s favorable design being a major draw. The relatively straight course, with minimal curves compared to many international marathons, makes it an ideal race for those chasing personal bests.
A Safe and Celebratory Environment
Safety remains a top priority for the organizers, with Major Fahad Bouhendi Al Harami of the Ministry of Interior reassuring participants that meticulous planning has gone into ensuring smooth traffic flow and secure entry and exit points for the event. Furthermore, the Marathon Village, which will open on January 14, will offer participants a vibrant space to collect their race kits, enjoy entertainment activities, and build anticipation for the main event.
A standout feature this year is the youth races, aimed at fostering a love for fitness and competition from an early age. With kids and juniors races scheduled for January 16, the marathon promises to be a family-friendly affair, encouraging participation from all age groups.
A Community-Driven Event
The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo continues to embody a spirit of community, with proceeds from registration going to charity, as has been the tradition for the past 12 years. Al Kuwari extended his gratitude to the event’s numerous sponsors and partners, who play a crucial role in its success. Among the Platinum Sponsors are Visit Qatar, Al Abdulghani Motors, New Balance, and Katara Hospitality, with further support from the Qatar Athletics Federation, the Ministry of Interior, and a host of other local businesses.
In conclusion, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025 is more than just a race—it is a celebration of health, fitness, and unity. Whether you are an elite runner, a casual participant, or a supporter, this event promises to be a memorable experience, set against the backdrop of Doha’s beautiful Corniche.
So, mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to be part of one of Qatar’s most iconic sporting events.