Doha, Qatar – Organizers have announced details for the second Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Half Marathon and accompanying Team Qatar activities, scheduled for February 10th as part of Qatar National Sports Day celebrations. The event, taking place at Lusail Boulevard, aims to attract both elite athletes and recreational runners, building on the success of its inaugural edition. Registration is currently open, with organizers anticipating another strong turnout.
The Half Marathon will feature a variety of race distances to accommodate all ages and fitness levels. The event will be held alongside the Team Qatar Village at Al Sa’ad Plaza, offering a broader range of sporting and community engagement opportunities. The QOC confirmed that all logistical and technical preparations are complete.
Qatar National Sports Day Half Marathon Details
The race course, as detailed by Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head of the Technical Committee, will extend from Lusail Boulevard to the Qetaifan Islands Corniche before returning to the finish line. Distances include a 1km run for children (ages 6-14), 5km races for youth (ages 15-17), and open categories for men and women across 5km, 10km, and the 21km half marathon distance. Separate categories will also be held for Team Qatar participants and age groups 40 and above.
Race Schedule and Logistics
The 21km half marathon is scheduled to begin at 6:00 am, while activities at the Team Qatar Village will commence at 7:00 am. Organizers have secured comprehensive support from sponsors and partners, covering logistical needs, medical services, catering, and media coverage. Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al-Thani, Head of the Marketing Committee, emphasized the completeness of the marketing plan.
Last year’s inaugural event drew over 3,884 participants, establishing it as a popular fixture on Qatar’s sporting calendar. This year, organizers hope to surpass that number, further solidifying the event’s position as a key component of National Sports Day. The event is expected to contribute to Qatar’s broader goals of promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering community spirit.
Volunteer Platform Launched for Future Events
Beyond the immediate preparations for the half marathon, the QOC also announced the launch of the Team Qatar Volunteers Platform. This new system will streamline volunteer registration and deployment for a series of upcoming major sporting events in Qatar. According to Al-Jaber, the platform will be utilized for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2029, and ultimately, the Doha 2030 Asian Games.
The development of the volunteer platform reflects Qatar’s increasing capacity to host large-scale international competitions. It also underscores the importance placed on volunteer contributions to the success of these events. The Ministry of Labour is also involved, ensuring compliance with labor standards for all volunteers.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on final race preparations and maximizing participation. Organizers will continue to monitor registration numbers and refine logistical arrangements. The success of the volunteer platform will be a key indicator of Qatar’s readiness for the upcoming series of major sporting events. Further details regarding road closures and spectator access will be released closer to the event date.
The long-term impact of the QOC Half Marathon and Team Qatar activities remains to be seen, but the event is poised to become a cornerstone of Qatar’s annual sporting calendar, promoting both athletic achievement and national pride. The Qatar Olympic Committee website provides further information.
Related keywords: Qatar National Sports Day, running event, sports tourism.