Excitement Builds as Ooredoo Outlines Plans for
Doha Marathon 2022
- Event to Take Place in Lusail for First Time
- New “Aladaam” Category for Qatari Participants
- Part of Funds to Go to Qatar Foundation’s Ability Friendly Program
Doha, Qatar
Ooredoo, a key regional player in national sports sponsorship, has set out its plans for the Doha Marathon 2022.
Key innovations include changes to the route, taking in more of Doha’s increasingly iconic landscape, and an offering of fabulous prizes for participants. Some runners will be participating from home, thanks to a virtual event taking place from 5-11 March 2022. For Qatari winners, the new category of “Aladaam” has been introduced.
Ooredoo outlined some of the advantages of the new location, and how it complements the already popular event as it returns next month. It is expected that by introducing Aladaam, the organisers will further strengthen Qatari participation in future editions of the Marathon and the sport more broadly.
According to Ooredoo, sponsoring the Marathon assists its pursuit of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, by encouraging sporting participation and a healthy lifestyle throughout the local population.
As always, funds raised by the Ooredoo Doha Marathon will go to charitable causes, with one recipient this year being Qatar Foundation’s Ability Friendly Program.
Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari – Director PR at Ooredoo – said: “We’re delighted that the Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2022 is going ahead, as we’re rightfully proud of our firm strategic commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and to supporting events in the communities in which we operate. Safety remains a priority for us and any remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced at the event. Numbers both of participants and spectators will be strictly limited.”
At the press conference held to share the marathon plans, Ooredoo extended its thanks to the many sponsors without whom the event could not take place. Platinum sponsors of the Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2022 are Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatari Diar and Qatar Airways, with Aspire, Aspetar, Elan, QOMMUNICATION and Dr. Mood as Gold sponsors and UNHCR, Baladna, Al Rayyan Water, MOI, QFSA and Ability Friendly as Silver sponsors.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2022 is a prime example of sports being a key pillar of Qatari society. What makes this race special is the innovation behind the virtual run, making it a more inclusive event for people who choose to run separately. We have continuously supported this much-anticipated annual event because it encourages the local community to remain active and ties in perfectly with Qatar Airways’ mission of bringing people together through the power of sport.”
“At Qatar Foundation, we aim to develop an Ability Friendly movement by creating an internationally recognised, sustainable programme that provides people with specific needs with opportunities to fulfil and unlock their potential through inclusive, accessible sports programming,” said Aljazi Al-Henzab, Community Programme Manager at Qatar Foundation. “We would like to thank Ooredoo for their generous donations of funds to support this vital, inclusive programme that is already benefiting so many members of our community.”
Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Sada, Director of the Chief Executive Officer’s Office at Qatari Diar and the Platinum Sponsor of the Marathon, confirmed that Lusail City’s hosting of the Ooredoo Doha 2022 Marathon is an affirmation of Qatari Diar’s commitment to its social responsibility and its role in supporting and encouraging sports in Qatar. Mr. Al-Sada said: “We wish Ooredoo every success in organising the event, and wish all the participants the very best of luck. We hope everyone enjoys the route in Lusail City!”