Doha Marathon

The Doha Marathon (presented by Ooredoo as title sponsor) is Qatar's flagship road race, held annually in January along the scenic Doha Corniche waterfront. The flat, fast course starts and finishes at Hotel Park and runs along the Arabian Gulf shoreline, offering views of the West Bay skyline and the Museum of Islamic Art. First held in 2018, the event has grown rapidly to attract 20,000 runners from over 160 nationalities, establishing itself as one of the Middle East's premier mass-participation road races. The 2026 edition drew Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, who set a course record of 2:05:40. Race proceeds are donated to local charities. The event offers five distances — full marathon, half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and a Kids' Fun Run — and includes special categories and prizes for Qatari nationals and athletes with disabilities (eligible up to 21 km). Hydration stations appear every 3 km. January timing ensures mild desert winter conditions ideal for fast times.