The Doha Corniche is ready to host the inaugural World Championships midnight marathon tomorrow.
The first-ever night marathon at an IAAF World Athletics Championships - set to kick off tomorrow - will be nothing short of a sports spectacle when the runners complete the long distance battle around Doha’s waterfront called the Corniche.
All arrangements along the Corniche stretch have been completed with organisers making sure the welfare of the athletes is not compromised.
“We have extra precautions, more medical support,” IAAF President Sebastian Coe said yesterday.
The first night race is the women’s marathon with the runners set to register the best time over 26.2 miles (42.195 km).
According to the event schedule, the men’s and women’s 50km walk is set for 23:30 on Saturday while the men’s marathon will be held on October 5.
Coe, who was re-elected for another term as IAAF President yesterday, said medical teams will be at hand to look after athletes who may require medical attention.
“We have to mindful all the time about the welfare of the athletes,” Coe, a former athlete from Great Britain, said.
“We have a medical team that will monitor these conditions all the time. We have been monitoring it over the period we have been here in Doha,” he said.
“It is simple things like making sure there is more medical supervision out there, there is more water available.
“Our medical teams we are in touch with all the time and I will defer those judgments to them, they are also mindful of the athlete’s welfare,” the two-time Olympic Games gold medallist added.
IAAF Vice President Dahlan Al Hamad in the build up to the 10-day event, said: “Doha has everything in place to ensure a successful championships for both competitors and spectators in what is going to be a truly memorable event in which thousands of people can attend and make sure they are part of sporting history in the Middle East.”
All-time great Paulda Radcliffe, who has visited Doha in the past, said “It’s exciting from a competitor’s point of view because it’s unique. For spectators, to see that backdrop as well is impressive and hopefully we’re going to see some really good performances. The city of Doha has everything in place to ensure a successful championships for both competitors and spectators.”
The loop route on the Corniche stretch - beginning from in front of the Amiri Diwan all the way to location of Sheraton Doha - one of the city’s premier landmarks - have been illuminated with extra lighting that meets the IAAF standards.
LED screens have been placed at suitable distances for the viewing public to follow the action live. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has set up a media centre for the home and visiting journalists covering the night marathon. Fans can also make use of the local Metro to reach Corniche via Red Line services, it was announced yesterday.
The same stretch was successfully used for Tour of Qatar cycling races for more than a decade by organisers of the event drawing huge crowds.
