Doha: Nearly 2,000 runners of all ages braved the early morning cold to take part in the fourth annual Ooredoo Marathon on the Corniche yesterday.
Dressed in running apparel, the participants took to the roads running for fun, health and charity and to win a part of the QR1m prize. They gathered at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) grounds where the event started.
The event began at 6.30am with the full marathon (42.195km) and half marathon which saw the most number of participants. They were followed by the 10km, 5km junior and adult races and child-friendly 3km and 1km events.
Kenyans 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.
This year’s marathon saw runners from various communities and around the world jog, sprint and walk around the route, which looped the Corniche which was closed for traffic for several hours for the event.
Several teams from businesses, schools and athletic clubs participated in the marathon, which aimed to help people become more active and healthy and has grown into a highly-anticipated event for experienced marathon runners, health-conscious people and novices.
Trainers from the Qatar Sports For All Federation provided advice to participants on the proper way to warm up and exercise before the race.
Minister of Youth and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali and Ooredoo Chairman Sheikh Abdulla 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.
“The ministry will continue to support such activities that target various age groups and fitness levels within the local society. Indeed, such initiatives will enable our mission to foster a sports culture within the community and encourage people to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Al Ali thanked Ooredoo, the Ministry of Interior and entities which contributed to the success of the event.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this year’s races. A significant number of people have come out to support their loved ones as they run, the entry fees will make an important contribution to ‘Education Above All’ and you can feel a true community spirit in the air which will hopefully encourage everyone to get more involved in sports in 2016. The health of the people of Qatar is one of the highest priorities and Ooredoo is delighted to be playing our part,” Sheikh Abdulla said.
Proceeds of the marathon will go to ‘Educate A Child’ - a programme of the Education Above All Foundation launched by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to significantly reduce the number of children worldwide missing out on their right to an education.The Peninsula
