Doha’s flagship marathon will return for its 14th edition on January 16 next year.

Early bird registrations for the 14th edition of Doha Marathon by Ooredoo are now open with discounted rates, its organisers said on Sunday.

The 2026 edition is set to be held on January 16, with 20,000 participants from all over the world expected to participate.

“The 14th edition of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo represents far more than a race,” Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee, said in a statement.

“It’s a powerful celebration of community, health, and collective achievement.”

Starting and finishing at Hotel Park, this year’s marathon will resemble the previous edition’s route with the scenic Doha Corniche serving as the major stretch.

This year’s event will have five categories, namely the Kids Fun Run (ages 4-10), 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon (21 km), and full marathon (42 km), aiming to cater to participants of all categories.

The organisers also invited competitors with disabilities to participate in all distance categories up to 21 km. Special prizes will be awarded to celebrate their achievements.

“We are proud to champion the vision of a more active Qatar, and it’s truly inspiring to observe the growing participation from people of all ages and backgrounds who come together in pursuit of personal excellence,” Al-Kuwari added.

Top Qatari entrants in each category will also be handed special recognition. Proceeds from the event will be distributed and donated to local charities.

In what started initially as a half-marathon in its first edition, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo gained Gold Label, the second-highest label in World Athletics, for its 2025 edition.

Next year’s edition will be the largest in the event’s history, if it manages to meet the expected participation figure.

Registrations are now open here, with an extra discount available for groups of four or more.