Doha: Qatar Airways is flying in scores of the world’s top runners to take part in the prestigious sixth annual Ooredoo Doha Marathon. Thousands of runners of all ages and abilities are expected to take to Doha’s streets to participate in the hugely popular race as Qatar Airways continues its sponsorship of the event, in association with the event’s Sports Tourism Partner, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).
The inspiring British multiple World, Olympic and European champion, Sir Mo Farah, leads the pack of the top 18 world’s best male and female runners taking part in the Elite Half-Marathon. Other world-famous runners competing with the Olympic athlete and top-medal winner include Chris Thompson of Britain, Eyob Faniel of Italy, Melina Wolf of Germany, Azucena Diaz of Spain and Monica Silva of Portugal. The marathon will begin at 6:30am on January 12, 2018 outside Qatar’s famous Museum of Islamic Art.
“Qatar Airways is pleased to sponsor the Ooredoo Doha Marathon, which every year attracts some of the best athletes from around the world. It also promises to be a fun-filled day for runners of all ages and helps promote a healthy lifestyle for locals and visitors alike,” said Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Qatar Airways.
“With our belief in the power of sport to bring people together, we are delighted that 2018 has kicked off with this long-running sponsorship, which has quickly become a firm fixture in Qatar’s sporting calendar. We wish all the runners well and look forward to congratulating everyone who participates,” she added.
QTA, Chief Marketing & Promotion Officer, Rashed AlQurese, said: “We are delighted to have such an accomplished field of international champions coming to Qatar to participate in the country’s largest mass participation event. The elite athletes’ involvement helps us to echo Qatar’s message of welcoming the world, and shines a spotlight on a fast-growing sports tourism destination. We look forward to hosting them with the traditional Arabian hospitality Qatar is renowned for, as well as hosting them on visits to some of our world-class sports facilities.”
Ooredoo Director of PR and Corporate Communications, Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, said: “We have no doubt that this will be Ooredoo’s biggest marathon to date, with the help and participation of the local community and our sponsors. The aim of the Ooredoo Doha Marathon is to inspire Qatar’s communities to live a healthier and more active lifestyle and we thank Qatar Airways for once again helping us achieve this goal.”
