Doha Marathon by Ooredoo draws record 15,000 runners from 140 countries

The 13th Doha Marathon by Ooredoo set a new record today, drawing over 15,000 runners from 140 countries.

Starting from Sheraton Park along the scenic Doha Corniche, the event featured multiple race categories: the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), and shorter distances of 10km and 5km.

In keeping with its inclusive approach, the marathon welcomed athletes of all ages and abilities, with para-athletes competing in the half marathon category. This year’s edition also featured special participation of elite international athletes. 

In the women’s rankings, Ethiopia’s Ethlemahu Sintayehu claimed victory in a personal best time of 2:21:43. Her compatriots Muluhabt Tsega and Zinah Senbeta claimed second and third place, finishing with 2:22:21 and 2:22:34 respectively. 

In the men’s rankings, Kenya’s Ezra Tanui crossed the finish line first with 2:07:28, narrowly missing the course record set in 2023. Ethiopian runners Balew Yihunle and Metko Tafa rounded out the podium, finishing in 2:07:36 and 2:07:40 respectively. 

This year’s marathon featured several prominent sports personalities, including Qatar’s Olympic Champion Mutaz Barshim, who officiated the race.

Event organisers presented special awards to Qatari winners and distributed cash prizes across all categories, with two lucky finishers also winning cars in the post-race draw. 

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo boasts a World Athletics Gold Label for the second consecutive year, cementing its position as one of the world’s premier marathons. 

By attracting prominent international athletes and organising high-level sporting events, Qatar continues to reinforce its position as a leading hub for hosting major global events. Hosting the Doha Marathon also highlights the country’s state-of-the-art sports infrastructure while promoting sports culture locally.