Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Returns for Landmark 15th Edition Set to Be Biggest Yet
25,000 Participants Expected as 2027 Edition Unveils New 42 KM Route, Relay Race, and Expanded Experiences for Runners of All Ages and Abilities
Doha, Qatar
Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider, has announced new details for the 15th edition of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, set to take place on Friday, 15 January 2027, with 25,000 participants expected to take part in what is anticipated to be the biggest edition of the event to date.
Celebrating 15 years of bringing people together through sport, the 2027 edition will build on the marathon’s continued growth in Qatar and internationally, with increased international participation expected alongside a diverse field of elite athletes, first-time runners, families, and communities.
The 2027 edition will introduce several new features designed to elevate both the competitive and community experience. A redesigned 42 KM route will take runners from Sheraton Hotel Park along Doha’s Corniche, passing some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Amiri Diwan, Old Doha Port, and Souq Waqif, and without any loops.
For the first time, participants will also be able to take on the full marathon distance as a team through the new 42 KM Relay Race. Teams of three or four runners will complete designated legs of the course, opening the marathon distance to a wider range of participants and adding a new team dimension to the event.
The 15th edition will build on the marathon’s established prizes, including the Al Adaam category celebrating Qatari runners, with the introduction of new prizes recognising Arab runners. Those participating in the Full Marathon will be able to compete within the dedicated Arab category while remaining eligible for the overall open competition.
The marathon will continue to offer race experiences for participants of different ages and abilities. The new Family Run will allow children aged 4 to 10 to participate alongside a parent or guardian, while the Blue Race will return for its second year, offering children with autism a dedicated race experience. The 2027 edition will also introduce the Yellow Race for the first time, dedicated to individuals with visual impairments. The marathon will also include dedicated participation for the elderly.
Participants can choose from six race categories: the Full Marathon (42 KM), 42 KM Relay Race, Half Marathon (21 KM), 10 KM, 5 KM and the Family Run.
Beyond race day, the Marathon Village will return with an expanded layout, featuring additional enhanced facilities, entertainment, interactive activations and services for runners and spectators, further enhancing the event’s community experience.
Ooredoo is also giving Gold and Al Nokhba Nojoom members an exclusive opportunity to participate in a raffle through the Ooredoo App for complimentary registration to the 15th edition of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo.
Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee said, “The 15th edition marks an important milestone for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo. What began as a community sporting event has grown into an internationally recognised marathon, bringing together thousands of people through a shared passion for running. As we prepare to welcome 25,000 participants, we are continuing to raise the bar with a new route, new race experiences and more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part. Our aim is not only to deliver our biggest edition yet, but to further strengthen the marathon’s standing and work towards achieving World Athletics Platinum Label status.”
The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo currently holds World Athletics Gold Label status for the third consecutive year, reflecting the event’s high standards of competition and organisation. Building on this achievement and its ambition to progress towards Platinum Label status, the 2027 edition will introduce a redesigned 42 KM route, taking runners through some of Doha’s most iconic landmarks and enhancing the experience for athletes, spectators, and international audiences. The new route forms part of the marathon’s continued evolution as it strengthens its position on the global marathon calendar.
The marathon has grown significantly in recent years. The 2026 edition welcomed more than 20,000 runners representing 160 nationalities, including 2,200 international participants travelling from outside Qatar. It also attracted a world-class elite field and saw Olympic champion Tamirat Tola set a new course record of 2:05:40.
Through its continued growth, inclusive race experiences and international reach, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo remains committed to promoting health, wellbeing and active living while supporting Qatar to reaffirm itself as a leading global destination for sport.