First-Ever Elite Status Ooredoo Doha Marathon to be Held in 2023, Part of International Calendar
- Most Popular Event on Doha’s Sporting Calendar Set for 20 January 2023
- Mutaz Barshim Named Marathon Ambassador, Participation Confirmed
- 2023 Race to Witness AlAdaam Category For Qatari Citizens Once Again
- Sh.Nasser: ‘Looking Forward to Biggest and Best Ooredoo Doha Marathon Ever’
- Mohammed Al Fadala: ‘Qatar Athletics Federation and Olympic Committee Confirm Support for Ooredoo and Event’
Doha, Qatar
Ooredoo – a longstanding, staunch promoter of sporting events – has shared details of the Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2023, a prestigious event that features on the World Athletics global calendar.
The 11th edition of the event, widely recognised as one of the most popular events on Doha’s sporting calendar, is being organised in partnership with Qatar Athletic Federation and is scheduled to be held on 20 January 2023. Details were shared at a press conference hosted at Ooredoo Tower in West Bay, Doha, on Wednesday 2 November 2022. Event ambassador, Qatar athlete Mutaz Barshim, was in attendance along with senior representatives of Ooredoo and Qatar Athletic Foundation.
This year’s edition of the event is set to attract thousands of runners representing 80 nationalities or more, including some of the world’s top elite athletes. Confirmed so far are Mohcin Outalha from Morocco and Yohans Mekasha, Hiribo Shano and Abiyote Abinet from Ethiopia, along with Desi Jisa Mokonin from Bahrain and Ebsite Tilahun from Ethiopia in the women’s race.
Joining the elite athletes will be keen runners of all levels from Qatar’s sporting community and families ready to enjoy an active day out.
The Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2023 includes a number of distances, from a 1km kids’ race to the full 42km marathon, and includes the AlAdaam category for Qatari runners, with prizes for winning competitors in the category. The total prize fund for all categories will be in excess of QR500,000.
A new, upgraded route will take runners past some of Doha’s most iconic landmarks, avoiding excessive lapping. All distances up to and including 21.1km will be accessible to participants with disabilities, and roads will be closed for a full six hours for the event. A dedicated race village located in Al Bidda Park will offer plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
A key upgrade for this year’s event will be integration with Nojoom, Ooredoo’s award-winning loyalty programme, meaning Nojoom members can redeem Nojoom Points for entry to the event.
Also new for 2023, in alignment with Ooredoo’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is the use of recycled materials in all event giveaways, such as medals, t-shirts and bags.
Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani – Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo, said: “In organising the Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2023, we aim to promote sports participation, highlight sporting events in Qatar and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle for all. It’s a source of great pride for Ooredoo that, year after year, this event is so hugely popular with both international athletes and local runners, and that it contributes significantly to local charitable organisations, with all proceeds being donated to chosen charities each year. With so many upgrades this year, we look forward to the 2023 edition being the biggest and best yet!”
First held in 2013 and designed to encourage Qatari citizens and residents to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, the Marathon has become one of the most anticipated sporting events in Qatar with more than 18,000 runners taking part over the years. The event is incredibly popular with spectators, attracting crowds of thousands to line the streets, cheer on the runners and enjoy the electric atmosphere and lively entertainment on offer.
Mohammed Al Fadala, President of Qatar Athletic Federation, expressed his thanks to Ooredoo for organising the marathon, and for the company’s continuous efforts to improve the event over the years. He stressed the Olympic Committee’s strong support for the Ooredoo Doha Marathon, given its great importance as both a sporting and a community event, and highlighted the careful consideration involved in planning the new route, proportionate to the significance of the event and scale of participation.
To make sure the event is open to as many people as possible, the 2023 edition will again feature a virtual event for those who prefer to run alone. Runners will run solo at their favourite outdoor location, tracking their run with a wearable device. Run times will be shared via app or imported from Strava.
Participants can register for the Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2023 at https://www.ooredoo.qa/web/en/marathon/