Before the countdown to race day begins, Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 will officially open its Marathon Village at Hotel Park from 13-16 January, welcoming runners, families and supporters into the beating heart of the marathon experience.
Operating daily from 3:00pm to 9:00pm, the Marathon Village will serve as a central gathering place where participants gather their race gear, soak up the atmosphere and soak in the excitement ahead of one of Qatar’s most anticipated sporting events.
Against the backdrop of Doha’s iconic Corniche, the Village has been designed as a vibrant, family-friendly destination where visitors can explore a wide range of food and beverage outlets, wellness zones, live entertainment and interactive activities.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Marathon Village will also host a hot air balloon festival, bringing colorful aerial displays to the skies above the hotel park. The festival will offer visitors a visually engaging experience that celebrates the spirit of movement, unity and community at the heart of Ooredoo’s Doha Marathon.
On race day, Friday, January 16, the Village will serve as the focal point of the event from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. As thousands of runners line the course and cross the start and finish lines at Hotel Park, the Village will transform into a vibrant hub of celebrations for both participants and spectators.
Runners will have access to free physiotherapy services, dedicated recovery areas and a medal engraving station, allowing finishers to add a personal touch to their achievement.
Dedicated cheering bleachers for friends and family will offer front-row views of the action, creating an atmosphere of enthusiastic cheering and general celebration throughout the morning.
The day before the race, the focus will be on the most meaningful moments of the marathon. On Thursday, January 15, the Village will host the Blue Fun Race Run for children with autism, organized in partnership with the Autism Parents Platform.
This will be followed by the Kids’ Fun Run at 3:30 p.m., which will welcome children ages 4-10 in stage groups and reflect the marathon’s strong commitment to inclusiveness and community participation.
Commenting on the opening of the Marathon Village, Sabah Rabia Al Kuwari, Vice President of Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee, said: the journey to race day”.
Since its launch in 2013, the Doha Marathon powered by Ooredoo has grown into one of Qatar’s premier athletics events. With World Athletics Gold Label status and a target of 20,000 runners in 2026, Marathon Village serves as a welcome gateway to an event that continues to put Qatar on the global sporting map.
Open to the public, the Marathon Village invites everyone to be a part of the journey, reinforcing the marathon’s role as a shared national experience rooted in health, inclusion and community spirit.
