Doha Festival City, in partnership with the Qatar Sports for All Federation (QFSA), hosted RunFest 2026, attracting nearly 800 runners from over 40 nationalities. The event took place recently in Doha and featured participants ranging in age from four to 60 years old, all aiming to achieve personal fitness goals. Approximately 25% of the runners were from Qatar, and around 2,000 spectators attended the indoor running festival.

RunFest 2026 included five race categories: a 10-kilometer race, a 5-kilometer race, a 1-kilometer Fun Run, a 1-kilometer Kids Run, and a 500-meter Mini Kids Run. In the men’s 10-kilometer race, Andrew Jones secured first place with a finishing time of 34 minutes and 45 seconds, followed by Samuel Njagi at 36:54 and Suken Thapa at 37:57. The women’s 10-kilometer race was won by Soledad Dominguez, who completed the course in 45 minutes and 25 seconds. Nuria Sainz took second place at 48:36, with Emelda Buo finishing third at 59:27.

Tugrul Comert, asset management director at Doha Festival City, emphasized the strong community interest in events promoting active lifestyles. He highlighted the collaboration with QFSA as a means to foster inclusivity, encourage personal achievement, and integrate wellness into everyday community life.

Abdullah al-Dosari, executive director of the Qatar Sports for All Federation, noted the event’s broad appeal across different age groups, fitness levels, and abilities, including participants with special needs. He described RunFest 2026 as a testament to how sports can unite families and communities. Al-Dosari also expressed that the community’s enthusiastic response serves as motivation for the federation to expand its programs, encouraging regular physical activity and promoting walking as part of daily routines.