Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2026: Dates, Location, Registration

The Ooredoo Doha Marathon 2026 is gearing up to be one of the most exciting editions yet of Qatar’s premier running event, bringing together elite athletes, community runners and fitness enthusiasts from around the world on Friday, 16 January 2026. 

Now in its 14th year, the marathon has grown into a flagship global sporting occasion while continuing to champion health, inclusivity and community spirit. With an expected 20,000 participants, the 2026 event promises a vibrant race atmosphere along Doha’s iconic Corniche. 

Date and Location

• Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
• Venue & Course: The race starts and finishes at Hotel Park Doha, with runners following a scenic route along the Doha Corniche, one of Qatar’s most picturesque waterfront promenades.
• Start Time: Early morning wave starts are typical to take advantage of cooler temperatures for runners.

Race Categories

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo caters to runners of all ages and abilities, offering a range of distances:

• Full Marathon (42 KM): For ages 16 and over.
• Half Marathon (21 KM): For ages 16 and over.
• 10 KM Run: Open to participants aged 14 and above.
• 5 KM Run: For runners aged 10 and above.
• Kids Fun Run (1 KM): Designed for children aged 4–10.

The event also warmly welcomes competitors with disabilities to participate, especially in distances up to 21 KM, with special prizes recognising their achievements.

Registration & Tickets

Registration for the Doha Marathon opened well ahead of the event and attracted a global running community. Early bird discounts were offered, including special pricing across all categories and a 25% group discount for four or more runners, encouraging teams and friends to sign up together.

Prices for the main race categories typically include:

• Full Marathon 42 KM: ~QR 295 (early bird around QR 245)
• Half Marathon 21 KM: ~QR 260 (early bird around QR 210)
• 10 KM: ~QR 195 (early bird around QR 165)
• 5 KM: ~QR 160 (early bird around QR 130)
• Kids Fun Run: ~QR 95 (early bird around QR 80)

Click the official marathon website to complete registration online, check availability and view route maps closer to the race date.

Highlights & Event Features

The 2026 edition introduces several exciting elements beyond the main race:

• Blue Fun Run: A compassionate twist celebrating inclusivity, launched in partnership with autism support organisations to provide a dedicated, supportive space for children with autism to participate alongside family and friends. 
• Marathon Village Experiences: On race day, runners and spectators can enjoy festival-style offerings, including wellness zones, physiotherapy services and food outlets — making it as much a celebration as a competition. 
• Charity Support: Proceeds from the event are donated to local charitable causes across Qatar. 
• Prizes & Incentives: With around QR 1,000,000 in cash prizes and opportunities to win vehicles in raffles for finishers across key race categories, the event offers both competitive excitement and community engagement. 
• International Perks: Qatar Airways offers a 10% airfare discount for international participants, making it easier for global runners to join the fun. 

Why It Matters

The Ooredoo Doha Marathon continues to build on its reputation not just as a competitive sporting event, but as a cultural celebration of health, determination and shared spirit. Bringing together runners of all ages and backgrounds, it shines a spotlight on active lifestyles and community connection, all against the backdrop of Doha’s world-class urban scenery. 

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for fun or simply soaking in the atmosphere with family and friends, the marathon offers something for everyone this January. For full details, visiting schedules and the latest updates, head to the official Ooredoo Doha Marathon website.