The coolest months of the year here in the Middle East are between December to February as we know it (or feel it) and this is the ideal time to explore some of the outdoor attractions on the beaches, sand dunes and parks – or to run the Ooredoo Marathon.
Now in its fourth year running, this is Qatar’s most prestigious marathon and has seen its number rising year after year!
Their slogan says it all, “Whatever you are running for… bring it on!” And like so, almost 2,000 runners woke up early morning on the 8th of January 2016 to take to the starting line to run for charity, socializing, health, to win or just for the FUN!
The marathon featured four courses for all abilities of runners including a full marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km and a special children’s 3km fun run. Having this variety of distances made it possible for the whole family to come out for the morning and enjoy the event together.
The event was hosted at the Museum of Islamic Art, an iconic building and monument located on the port side of the Doha Corniche in Qatar. The big green park, with walking paths, playground for kids and fantastic view of the Doha skyline made this an ideal location to start off an event like this.
The route went all along the Doha Corniche, which stretches around five to six kilometres along the coastline and each distance has a different turn point. The 10km runners did one full lap of running up and down the Corniche whereas the half marathon runners did two laps and then full marathon runners did four laps. The route was also closed for traffic, which was fantastic to ensure a safe run for all!
This year’s marathon really saw runners from all over the world, jogging, sprinting or walking. Several teams from business, schools and athletic clubs participated, which aimed to help people become more active and healthy.
But in the end it was the Kenyans that dominated the competitive races winning men’s and women’s full marathon. With 2 hours 21 minutes, Amos Maindi finished first place in men’s full marathon category and compatriot Pamela Chepkoech Bundotich took the title in the female division with 2 hours 58 minutes.
All finishers were awarded with a very special finisher’s medal as well as an awesome event t-shirt and lunch pack! So everyone truly felt like a winner on the day!
The event has really grown into a highly-anticipated event for experienced marathon runners, health-conscious people and novices and it is expected that people will jump to get entries for next year!
The Minister of Youth and Sports H.E. Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali and Ooredoo Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani also attended the event. The Minister expressed delight and support to the event and said it is in line with the ministry’s vision of promoting the wellbeing of people in Qatar.
For 2016, the total prize purse was worth 1,000,000 QAR (worth flying over for the weekend don’t you think?)
Funds raised by entry fees of the Ooredoo Marathon were donated to a range of worthy charities in Qatar.
A highly recommended event, with great views of Doha city and skyline, awesome atmosphere, loads of friendly people and definitely an event to put on your “run-it-list”!
Words by: Eulogy van Dyk
Photos by: Ooredoo Qatar
