Doha Marathon aims to serve as platform for Qatari running heroes

The Doha Marathon, organized by Ooredoo, seeks to promote Qatar's running culture and create local sporting heroes to inspire wider participation. Wissam Terro, Chief Business Officer of Suffix Events, stated that the initiative aims to give Qatari runners more prominence, recognizing leading athletes during the press conference and giving them priority start positions on race day.

Terro emphasized that these recognitions are based on the runners' position as elite athletes within Qatar, not just their international calibre. He explained that creating visible local role models is crucial for running to become a part of the country's wider sporting culture, helping to build awareness and encourage more people to take up the sport.

This year, the marathon will introduce an Arab category, inviting runners from across the region to compete for prize money, further boosting participation and connecting Doha with participants from across the Middle East. The marathon will also feature international elite runners alongside amateurs, children, and families, aiming to make running more visible and accessible within the community and provide local athletes with a platform to inspire others. Terro hopes to build upon this year's edition with further initiatives in future years.