Doha Marathon 2026| Full Guide, Results & Road Closures

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 took place on Friday, 16 January 2026, at Hotel Park along Doha’s Corniche and welcomed 20,000 runners from 160 nationalities, including 2,200 international participants. The event featured five race categories (42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and Kids’ Fun Run) with a total prize pool exceeding QR 1,000,000 (Qatari Riyal).

A Distance for Every Taste

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 offered five race categories to accommodate runners of all ages and abilities, from elite athletes to families and children.

Marathon

To complete the Marathon (42.195 km), runners started and ended at Hotel Park, following a scenic route along Doha’s iconic Corniche skyline. Reigning Olympic marathon champion Tamirat Tola (ETH) set a course record of 2:05:40, marking his first victory since Olympic Games Paris 2024. Hydration stations were placed every 3 kilometers (1.86 miles), and on-site medical coverage, volunteer support, and comprehensive safety protocols were provided throughout the 42 km (26.2 miles) course.

Half Marathon

To run the Half Marathon (21.0975 km), participants followed the same Corniche route with access to hydration stations every 3 km (1.86 miles) and medical support. Free entry was offered to participants with disabilities for races up to 21 km (13.1 miles), reinforcing the marathon’s inclusive approach. The ‘Al Adaam’ category returned for the fourth consecutive year, dedicated exclusively to Qatari runners with special cash prizes awarded to top finishers.

Doha Marathon 2026 – Complete Guide, Results & Road Closures

10 km

To participate in the 10 km race, runners experienced Doha’s waterfront scenery with full access to hydration stations, medical coverage, and volunteer support along the route. The 10 km (6.2 miles) distance attracted both competitive runners and recreational participants seeking a challenging yet achievable goal.

5 km

To join the 5 km race, participants enjoyed the shortest competitive distance with the same professional support services available across all categories. The 5 km (3.1 miles) race welcomed beginners, families, and those seeking a community-focused running experience along the Corniche.

Doha Marathon 2026: Results

Ethiopian runners dominated both the men’s and women’s marathon categories at the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026, with Tamirat Tola and Tigist Gezahagn claiming victory on 16 January 2026.

Men’s Results

Tamirat Tola (ETH) won the men’s marathon in 2:05:40, setting a course record and leading an Ethiopian sweep of the top five positions. The top 10 finishers were:

Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:05:40
Asefa Boki (ETH) 2:05:55
Boki Diriba (ETH) 2:06:26
Dinkalem Ayele (ETH) 2:06:43
Balew Yihunle (ETH) 2:07:07
Oqbe Kibrom Ruesom (ERI) 2:07:55
Mulugeta Debasu (ETH) 2:09:49
Desalegn Girma (ETH) 2:10:43
Nicholas Kirwa (KEN) 2:10:56
Wbet Gebrheat Muruts (ETH) 2:12:04

Women’s Results

Tigist Gezahagn (ETH) crossed the finish line first in 2:21:14, with compatriots Tigist Girma and Muluhabt Tsega completing the top three podium positions. The top 10 female finishers were:

Tigist Gezahagn (ETH) 2:21:14
Tigist Girma (ETH) 2:22:33
Muluhabt Tsega (ETH) 2:23:21
Amana Mursi Kipyatich (KEN) 2:23:43
Roman Gidey (ETH) 2:25:29
Alemtsehay Mekuria (ETH) 2:26:18
Aamelmal Tagel (ETH) 2:26:36
Sentayehu Lewetegn (ETH) 2:28:57
Ayantu Kumela (ETH) 2:29:31
Asimarech Naga (ETH) 2:36:48

Temporary Road Closure of Doha Corniche

The Doha Corniche was closed to all traffic during the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 to ensure runner safety and smooth event operations, affecting the stretch from Sheraton Intersection (West Bay) to the Museum of Islamic Art/Old Doha Port.

Timing

Doha Corniche road closure began on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at 10:00 PM and ended on Friday, 16 January 2026, at 2:00 PM, providing 16 hours of exclusive access for marathon participants and support crews.

Affected Areas

The affected areas included the entire Doha Corniche stretch from Sheraton Intersection in West Bay to the Museum of Islamic Art/Old Doha Port, with marshals and volunteers positioned throughout to guide traffic and ensure adherence to designated routes and safety protocols.

Driving Advice

Use alternative routes such as C-Ring Road, B-Ring Road, or Majlis Al Taawon Street to avoid delays, if driving during the closure period. Follow temporary traffic guidance signs placed throughout the area, and consider using the Doha Metro Red Line as the most convenient option to reach the Marathon Village at Hotel Park.

Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 Details

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 took place on Friday, 16 January 2026, and represented Qatar’s largest sporting event with comprehensive runner support, community initiatives, and international recognition from World Athletics (IAAF).

Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee, emphasized the event’s focus on creating an experience that reflects Qatar’s values of inclusion, care, and collective pride while delivering a world-class sporting event.

The Marathon Village at Hotel Park served as the central hub from 13 to 16 January 2026, operating daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and hosting race kit collection, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, wellness zones, and food and beverage outlets. Optional medal engraving was introduced in 2026, allowing participants to personalize their finisher medals with their name, race category, and finishing time.

All runners received official timing certificates featuring their name, race category, and finish time, while Sportograf, a leading international sports photography platform, captured professional action images along the route and at the finish line.

Free parking was available at Ashghal, Kahramaa, DECC (Doha Exhibition and Convention Center), and the Ministry of Municipality, while paid parking options were provided at City Centre and Gate Mall. Two Toyota Prado 2026 vehicles, provided by Al Abdulghani Motors, were raffled among finishers, and the awards ceremony took place on Friday, 16 January 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Marathon Village.

The Kids’ Fun Run and Blue Race were held on Thursday, 15 January 2026, in collaboration with the Autism Parents Platform, offering a dedicated and supportive environment for children with autism as part of the marathon’s social responsibility commitment.

Conclusion

Doha Marathon 2026 brought elite performances and mass participation. The event combined sport, community and careful logistics. If you plan to attend future editions, register early and check traffic guidance before race day.