QOC Announces First Edition of Half Marathon 2025 for National Sport Day

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has officially unveiled details of the inaugural edition of its Half Marathon 2025, set to take place on Tuesday, February 11, at Lusail Boulevard as part of the Qatar National Sport Day celebrations.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, key officials provided insights into the event, including Chairman of the QOC Half Marathon Organising Committee Sheikh Suhaim bin Mohammed al-Thani, Race Director Abdulaziz Ghanem, Head of the Marketing Committee Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani, Head of the Communication Committee Abdulla al-Marri, and Lusail Command & Control Center Operation Manager and Representative of Qatari Diar Eman al-Fadala. The committee also discussed other sporting events planned for Al Adaam Village in collaboration with various national sports federations.

Four Race Categories to Cater to All Participants
The Half Marathon 2025 will feature four main race categories, ensuring inclusivity for participants across different age groups and fitness levels. Runners can compete in the 21-km Half Marathon, the 10-km race, the 5-km race, or the 1-km Fun Run, which is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 14 years.

Commitment to World-Class Standards
Speaking at the press conference, Sheikh Suhaim bin Mohammed al-Thani emphasized QOC’s dedication to maintaining the highest technical standards for the event, ensuring a top-tier experience for all participants. He highlighted the broader objective of promoting a robust sports culture in Qatar and encouraging community-wide engagement in physical activities. The initiative, he added, aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and QOC’s mission "To Become a Leading Nation in Bringing The World Together Through Sustainable Sport Development."

Lusail Boulevard as the Ideal Venue
Eman al-Fadala expressed Qatari Diar’s pride in collaborating with QOC for this major event, emphasizing Lusail Boulevard’s suitability as a premier venue for the marathon. She highlighted the extensive preparations made to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all participants, including meticulously planned race routes in coordination with relevant authorities. Operational measures include on-site security teams, real-time traffic management, and emergency response coordination overseen by the Lusail Command and Control Center.

Race Schedule and Participant Turnout
Race Director Abdulaziz Ghanem outlined the official race schedule, confirming that the Half Marathon will start at 6:00 AM, followed by the 10-km race at 7:00 AM, the 5-km race at 7:30 AM, and the 1-km Fun Run at 8:30 AM.
Ghanem noted a strong turnout for the event, with participants from over 100 nationalities already registered. He also confirmed that registration will remain open until February 9 via QOC’s digital platforms. Additionally, he assured runners that water stations, first-aid points, and other logistical support would be available along the course to ensure their safety and comfort.

Broader National Sport Day Activities
Head of the Marketing Committee, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud al-Thani, provided insights into QOC’s broader plans for National Sport Day. Alongside the Half Marathon, a diverse range of sports and entertainment activities will be held at Team Qatar Village in Al Saad Plaza, Lusail.
“In addition to the marathon, QOC will host an array of sporting activities in collaboration with several national sports federations. Attendees can engage in athletics, football, basketball, handball, shooting, volleyball, boxing, martial arts, and activities organized by the Qatar Paralympic Committee. Our goal is to create an interactive and engaging environment for participants of all ages, reinforcing the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle,” he stated.
With a world-class venue, diverse race categories, and a strong commitment to promoting sports in Qatar, the first edition of the QOC Half Marathon is set to be a major highlight of the National Sport Day celebrations.