- Sell-out event, 8,000 participants
- Most runner-friendly route ever
- QR1mn prize pool
- Athletes break their own records
Ooredoo, a longstanding supporter of major sports events in Qatar, announced that the 13th edition of its annual marathon, this year renamed the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, was a roaring success Friday.The event was a complete sell-out, with 8,000 runners participating in a variety of distance categories, from the 1km kids’ run to the full 42.2km marathon.A host of top international athletes took part, returning some incredible run times, with some athletes breaking their own personal records. Morocco’s Mohcin Outalha crossed the finish line first in the men’s marathon in a time of 2:06:49, with Kenyan Gevin Kerich taking second place with 2:06:52 on the clock. Kenyan Victor Kipchirchir and Ethiopian Adane Kebede finished in joint third place, registering a time of 2:06:54.Ethiopian Meseret Belete took top spot in the women’s marathon, clocking 2:20:45, with Desi Jisa Mokonin from Brunei finishing in second place with a time of 2:20:47. Kenyan Beatrice Cheptoo placed third with a time of 2:22:28.In the open marathon category, the men’s race was won by Briton Michael Kallenberger with a time of 2:23:02, while the USA’s Abigail Cember took top spot in the women’s race, clocking 3:04:00.Qatari runners were once again able to enter the AlAdaam category this year. Abdulla Fahad al-Zarra won the men’s marathon with a time of 2:48:21, while Rabaah al-Musleh finished first in the women’s marathon with a time of 3:50:55.The men’s half marathon was won by Morocco’s Anouar El Ghouz in a time of 1:03:23, with Ukrainian Tetiana Pydoyna winning the women’s half marathon in 1:08:53.Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani, recently appointed CEO at Ooredoo Qatar, said: "As always, the event attracted some of the world’s top runners and gave the opportunity for our local enthusiasts to run alongside such sporting superstars. Thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors, we were able to ensure an incredible and upgraded experience for both runners and spectators alike, in line with Ooredoo’s commitment to promoting the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle as part of our corporate social responsibility strategy.”Mohammed Issa al-Fadalah, president of Qatar Athletics Federation, said: "We extend our thanks to Ooredoo for once again hosting a phenomenal marathon that is consistently a highlight of Doha’s sporting calendar. Events such as these demonstrate Qatar’s suitability as the ideal venue for major sporting events, and this is only reinforced by the number of top international athletes who travel here to take part. We were delighted to see such an incredible turnout, and congratulate all runners on their sterling performances.”A total prize fund of QR1mn was on offer across all categories, with event sponsor Q-Auto also offering a Volkswagen T-Roc as a raffle prize to one lucky winner drawn from all those who finished their race in the 5km category and above.Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani fired the starting gun for the Elite category and honoured winners with their medals. Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Director PR at Ooredoo, joined QAF president al-Fadalah to present medals to winners in the other categories.Spectators were able to enjoy the electric atmosphere from the many vantage points along the runner-friendly route, with the race village offering several food and beverage options and plenty of fun for all.The platinum sponsors for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2023 were Qatar Tourism, Q-Auto and Holding Group, with Qatar Airways and Seashore as gold sponsors and Al Rayyan Water, Aspetar, QIC and Qommunication silver sponsors.In line with Ooredoo’s commitment to supporting the community, all funds generated from registration fees for the 2023 Doha Marathon by Ooredoo will be donated to charitable organisations.