With a young population, incredible sporting infrastructure, deep cultural roots and exciting futuristic vision, Qatar is both an exciting and exquisite place for runners to visit. With temperatures averaging 21 to 23°C, the coolest months of the year between December to February are an ideal time to explore outdoor attractions like beaches, sand dunes and parks – or to run the Ooredoo Marathon!

Taking place in the capital city and major economic hub Doha, the 4^th Ooredoo Marathon will be held on Friday, 8 January 2016.

Whether you’re running to socialise, to win, for charity, for health or just for fun, you can find a category that suits your fancy. Earlier this year, more than 3,250 participants took part, with several teams from businesses, universities, schools and athletic clubs.

Catering to all abilities, the running event features a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Open and 5K Adults course. Youths aged 12 to 17 years old can take part in the 5K Juniors category while children can take part in the 3K Fun Run or 1K Fun Run.

Flagging off at the Museum of Islamic Art, the full and half marathons and 10K Open will start at 6:30 a.m., followed by the 5 km categories at 7:00 a.m. and the children fun runs at 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

An easy course, the route will take participants along Doha Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade which extends for several kilometres along Doha Bay.

Prizes will be awarded to the best male and female runners in each age group across the race categories. For 2016, the total prize purse is worth QAR 1,000,000.

Registration closes 31 Dec 2015

…or until places sell out!

Entry fees are QAR 200 for the 42.2 km Full Marathon and 21.1 km Half Marathon, QAR 150  for the 10 km and 5 km raes, and QAR 50 for the youth and children categories

The fees include bib timing, a certificate, a medal, a goody bag, and refreshments. Funds raised from the registration fees will go towards a range of worthy local charities.

To sign up online and find out more, visit the official Ooredoo Marathon 2016 website.