The Qatar event is set to welcome 20,000 participants, featuring enhanced community initiatives and a QR 1 million prize pool.
As race day approaches, Ooredoo hosted a wrap-up press conference at the Fairmont Hotel to provide final updates on the Ooredoo 2026 Doha Marathon, which will take place on Friday 16 January at the Hotel Park along Doha’s Corniche.
Opening the press conference, Sabah Rabia Al-Kuwari, Vice President of the Doha Marathon by the Ooredoo Committee, shared highlights of the upcoming edition, outlining the event’s growth, international recognition and community impact.
“As we prepare to host 20,000 runners of 160 nationalities, including 2,200 international participants traveling from outside Qatar, our focus is not only on delivering a world-class sporting event, but also on creating an experience that reflects Qatar’s values of inclusion, care and collective pride,” said Al-Kuwari.
A race for every age and level
The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 features five race categories that give runners of all ages and abilities the chance to compete over distances of 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km.
Participants with disabilities continue to have free entry for runs up to 21km, reinforcing the marathon’s inclusive approach. The popular Al Adaam category also returns for the fourth consecutive year, dedicated exclusively to Qatari runners, with special cash prizes awarded to top performers in recognition of local talent and national pride.
Community-focused initiatives will once again take center stage, including the Kids’ Fun Run and the Blue Run on Thursday, January 15, in association with the Autism Parents Platform. The Blue Race offers a dedicated and supportive environment for children with autism, reflecting the marathon’s commitment to accessibility and meaningful participation.
Runner experience, new features and prizes
A runner’s experience begins long before race day. From January 13-16, Marathon Village at Hotel Park will serve as a central hub for participants and visitors. Open daily from 3pm to 9pm, it will host a collection of race kits alongside family events, live entertainment, wellness zones and food and beverage outlets, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
On race day, the marathon route starts and ends at Hotel Park, offering runners scenic views of Doha’s iconic Corniche skyline. Participants will have access to hydration stations every 3km, on-site medical coverage, volunteer support and comprehensive safety protocols throughout the course.
During the press conference, Moza Khalid Al-Muhannadi, a member of the Ooredoo Committee for the Doha Marathon, added: “For many runners, this marathon represents a personal milestone, whether it’s their first race, a new distance, or a moment shared with family and friends. To celebrate this achievement, we introduced optional medal engravers this year to personalize the medal. their name, race category and finish time, creating a meaningful memory of the experience.”
All runners will also receive official timing certificates showing their name, race category and finish time. In addition, the marathon has partnered with Sportograf, a leading international sports photography platform, to capture professional action images along the route and at the finish line.
The 2026 edition will feature a total prize fund of more than QR 1,000,000 (£204,000) across various race categories. In addition, two Toyota Prado 2026 cars provided by Al Abdulghani Motors will be raffled off among the finishers. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, January 16 at 10:30 a.m. in Marathon Village, bringing the race week to a memorable end.
Logistics, traffic and security coordination
Safety and traffic management remain a top priority for the Ooredoo 2026 Doha Marathon, with a comprehensive plan agreed with the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant authorities.
On-site marshals and volunteers will direct runners and spectators, ensuring designated routes and safety protocols are followed.
Free parking will be available at Ashghal, Kahramaa, DECC and the Ministry of Municipality, while paid parking options will be available at City Center and Gate Mall. Participants and spectators are encouraged to drive or use designated drop-off points where possible to help ease traffic flow.
As race day approaches, Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 promises achievement, inspiration and a sense of unity that extends beyond the finish line, marking another meaningful chapter in the marathon’s growing legacy.
