Doha Marathon marks 15th edition with new 42km route, races for all

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The 15th Doha Marathon by Ooredoo on January 15, 2027, will feature a new 42-kilometer route without loops, a team relay race, and expanded categories to include families and special needs runners. With an anticipated 25,000 participants, including over 3,000 international athletes, the event aims to boost its global stature while promoting community involvement and inclusivity.

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is set to host its 15th edition on January 15, 2027, featuring a new full marathon route and expanded race categories that aim to boost both competitive appeal and community involvement. Organisers expect around 25,000 participants, including more than 3,000 international runners, underscoring the event's growing global profile.

This year’s marathon will debut a redesigned 42-kilometer course that starts at Sheraton Hotel Park and follows Doha’s Corniche, passing notable landmarks such as the Amiri Diwan, Old Doha Port, and Souq Waqif. Unlike previous editions, the new route eliminates any loops, creating a continuous circuit to enhance the running experience.

In addition to the individual marathon, organisers are introducing a team relay race covering the full marathon distance for the first time. Teams consisting of three to four runners will each complete sections of the course, allowing participants to collectively cover the 42 kilometers.

“The new course of the full marathon and the team relay race are key additions this year,” said Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, senior marketing and communications executive and vice-chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee. He highlighted the marathon’s steady growth from a community event into an internationally recognized race, currently holding the World Athletics Gold Label status for the third consecutive year. The organisers aim to achieve the Platinum Label in the near future.

The event will offer six race categories in total: Full Marathon, 42km Relay, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, and Family Run. The Family Run is designed for children aged 4 to 10 to participate alongside parents or guardians. Additionally, the Blue Race will return for its second year, providing a dedicated experience for children with autism, while a new Yellow Race has been introduced for runners with visual impairments. Specific participation categories for elderly runners are also part of the expanded inclusivity focus.

Community engagement remains central to the marathon’s mission, with initiatives for families and special needs participants emphasized. Al-Kuwari noted that the marathon seeks to foster wider community participation alongside maintaining competitive standards.

The event will also introduce a new category recognizing Arab runners, supplementing the existing Al Adaam category for Qatari participants. Arab category runners will also remain eligible for overall competition rankings.

The 2026 edition drew over 20,000 runners from 160 countries, including 2,200 international athletes, and saw Olympic champion Tamirat Tola set a new course record with a time of 2:05:40. The upcoming race is expected to build on this momentum with increased participation.

The Marathon Village will return with an expanded setup, featuring enhanced facilities, entertainment, interactive activities, and services designed to enrich the experience for runners and spectators alike.

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