Press Conference
Thursday, 9 January 2025
Key Highlights of the Conference
Importance of the Marathon
• A unique sports event aiming to promote health and fitness.
• Reflects Ooredoo’s dedication to supporting sports and community.
Partnership with Al Kass Channel
• Official Broadcaster: Al Kass Channel announced as the official broadcaster of the Doha Marathon.
• Live Broadcast: Enhances local and global audience reach.
General Information about the 2025 Marathon
Inclusive and Innovative Edition:
• Open to all age groups and abilities, featuring full marathons to kids’ races.
• Kids’ race to be held on 16 January, a day before the marathon.
• Gold Label Accreditation:
• Achieved the Gold Label from World Athletics for the second consecutive time.
• Inclusivity for Individuals with Disabilities:
• Encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in races up to 21 km, with registration being free.
Community Goals
• Supporting Charities:
• A portion of registration fees will go to charity, a tradition since the marathon’s start.
• Encouraging Qatari Participation:
• As part of Ooredoo’s dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle among Qatari runners, special cash prizes will be awarded to participants in the Al Adaam category.
Key Statistics
• Participant Numbers:
• Over 15,000 runners from 140 nationalities.
• 1,300 international runners.
• Prizes:
• Total prize pool of approximately QR 1 million.
• Two Toyota cars will be raffled for marathon finishers.
Marathon Route and Facilities
• Carefully Selected Route:
• Ensures a safe and smooth environment for all participants.
• Free Parking:
• Free parking near the race venue for participants and spectators.
Events and Activities at the Marathon Village
• Marathon Village Opening:
• Located at Sheraton Park from 14 to 16 January.
• Includes entertainment activities, live performances, and diverse food offerings.
• Kids’ Race:
• Dedicated race for children under 12 on 16 January.
Summary of Events at the Marathon Village:
• Day 1 (14 January 2025):
• DJ Tarek’s energetic musical performance.
• Jess Trio Band’s harmonious music.
• Day 2 (15 January 2025):
• DJ Tarek returns.
• M&M duo blends music with elegance in their show.
• Day 3 (16 January 2025):
• Children’s entertainment show with acrobatics and engaging performances.
• Science exhibition featuring interactive experiments and exciting demonstrations.
• 14, 16, 17 January 2025:
• White Parade adds joy with dynamic moves and lively beats.
• The Kids’ Race Parade with clowns, costumed characters, and stilt walkers fills the streets with joy and excitement.
New Features for 2025
• Innovative Technology:
o AI-generated participant videos and photos.
o Instant digital participation certificates.
• Enhanced Photography Services:
o Introducing “Sportograf” for the first time to capture participants’ moments.
About Sportograf:
• A global platform specialising in sports event photography, known for high-quality documentation of marathons, triathlons, and more.
Benefits of the Sportograf Service
- Comprehensive Event Coverage: Sportograf deploys a team of professional photographers to capture standout moments from all aspects of the event.
- Easy Access to Photos: Participants can effortlessly search for their photos on the platform’s website using their registration number or other identifiers.
- High-Quality Images: Sportograf is committed to delivering top-quality photographs that preserve memorable moments in exceptional detail.
Safety Measures
• Comprehensive Safety Plan:
• A secure and well-defined route with integrated support services.
• Medical drone in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation.
• Dedicated safety monitoring team.
Safety Details:
- Designated and Secure Route: The marathon route, carefully planned to ensure participant safety, begins and ends at Sheraton Park along the Doha Corniche. Comprehensive support services are integrated into the route to provide a seamless and risk-free experience.
- Dedicated Children’s Day: A separate race day is allocated for children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable event tailored to their ages and abilities.
- Emergency Services: All relevant authorities are fully engaged to activate the official emergency hotline (999), ensuring rapid response to any unforeseen incidents.
- Specialised Safety Team: A dedicated team from the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) division will operate around the clock from the command centre to maintain the highest safety standards.
- Medical Drone Support: In collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, a medical drone will be deployed to provide swift assistance in emergencies.
- Safety Awareness and Guidelines: Participants will receive detailed safety instructions and guidelines ahead of the event to ensure they are well-prepared.
- Traffic Management: In coordination with the Traffic Department and Ministry of Interior, roads leading to the marathon route will be closed, and alternative routes will be provided to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of both participants and spectators.
Marathon Kit Distribution
• Details:
• Distributed at Sheraton Park from 14 to 16 January, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Kits include a race T-shirt, medal, and timing chip.
Sponsors and Partners
• Supporting Partners: Ministry of Interior, Qatar Athletics Federation, and Hayya Platform.
• Platinum Sponsors: Al Abdulghani Motors, Visir Qatar, Katara Hospitality, and New Balance.
• Gold Sponsors: Doha Bank and Korean Medical Center.
• Silver Sponsors: Rayyan Water, Qommunication, Qatar Insurance Company, Elan Group, and Rafeeq.
• Other Supporters: Ministry of Defence and Ashghal Public Works Authority.
