Outalha, Belete win record-breaking 2023 Doha Marathon by Ooredoo

Jan 21, 2023

The 13th edition of Qatar’s only marathon race, renamed Doha Marathon by Ooredoo this year, proved to be an outstanding success.

The sell-out event, featuring 8,000 runners, competed in a variety of distance categories, from 1km kids’ run to the full marathon.

Competing for 1 million QAR in total prize money, participants from around the world brought their all to challenging 42 KM, 21 KM, 10 KM and 5 KM races along Doha’s scenic corniche.#qatar #qatarliving #doha #dohamarathon2023 pic.twitter.com/cEzMWHamJ1
— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) January 20, 2023

With a host of top international athletes taking part, there were some incredible times on the clock. Morocco’s Mohcin Outalha won the men’s marathon, crossing the finish line in 2hrs 6mins 49sec, ahead of Kenya’s Gevin Kerich (2:06:52). Kenyan Victor Kipchirchir and Ethiopian Adane Kebede finished joint third, registering a time of 2:06:54.

The women’s title was won by Ethiopia’s Meseret Belete, clocking 2:20:45, while Brunei’s Desi Jisa Mokonin (2:20:47) and Kenya’s Beatrice Cheptoo (2:22:28) finished next.

While Briton Michael Kallenberger won the men’s open marathon category in 2:23:02, the USA’s Abigail Cember took top spot in the women’s race, clocking 3:04:00.

A few more pictures from today’s run. We have uploaded hundreds of photos to a gallery on the main marathon website. Just click on “Gallery” on the menu bar and select “2023”. pic.twitter.com/pxuRXvuKr8
— Ooredoo Qatar (@OoredooQatar) January 20, 2023

The men’s half marathon title went to Morocco’s Anouar El Ghouz (1:03:23) while Ukrainian Tetiana Pydoyna (1:08:53) ran away with the women’s title.

Qatari runners once again took part in the AlAdaam category, with Abdulla Fahad Al Zarra winning the men’s marathon with a time of 2:48:21. Rabaah Al Musleh (3:50:55) clinched top spot in women’s marathon.

Huge congrats to Al Adam winners at today’s 2023 Doha Marathon by Ooredoo! Time to celebrate their achievements…#Ooredoo #DohaMarathon2023 pic.twitter.com/eVyJqqzOyX
— Ooredoo Qatar (@OoredooQatar) January 20, 2023

Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani was thrilled with the competition’s success.

“Once again, we’re delighted and proud to announce that our annual marathon was a phenomenal success. As always, the event attracted some of the world’s top runners and was a complete sell-out. It gave an opportunity for our local running enthusiasts to compete alongside such sporting superstars. Thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors, we were able to ensure an incredible and upgraded experience for both runners and spectators alike, in line with Ooredoo’s commitment to promoting the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle as part of our corporate social responsibility strategy,” he said.

Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Mohammed Issa Al Fadalah said: “We extend our appreciation to Ooredoo for once again hosting a phenomenal marathon that’s consistently a highlight of Doha’s sporting calendar. Events such as these demonstrate Qatar’s suitability as the ideal venue for major sporting events. This is only reinforced by the number of top international athletes who travel here to take part. We were delighted to see such an incredible turnout, and congratulate all runners on their sterling performances.”

Qatar’s most anticipated running competition took place today, with thousands testing their limits and endurance in the 11th Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Qatar#qatar #qatarliving #doha #dohamarathon2023 pic.twitter.com/jTPC2hw3ie
— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) January 20, 2023

A total prize fund of QR1m was on offer across all categories, with event sponsor Q-Auto also offering a Volkswagen T-Roc as a raffle prize to one lucky winner drawn from all runners who finished their races in the 5km category and above.

Sh. Ali Bin Jabor Al-Thani
Chief Executive Officer Ooredoo Qatar kick off the Marathon , Best of luck, everyone! #DohaMarathon2023 #Ooredoo pic.twitter.com/M95OidEl7j
— Ooredoo Qatar (@OoredooQatar) January 20, 2023

Sheikh Ali fired the ceremonial starting gun for the Elite category and honoured winners with their medals. Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Director PR at Ooredoo, joined QAF President Mohammed Issa Al Fadalah in awarding medals to winners in other categories.

Spectators were able to enjoy the electric atmosphere from the many vantage points along the runner-friendly route, with the race village offering several food and beverage options and plenty of fun.

Qatar Tourism, Q-Auto and Holding Group were the Platinum sponsors for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2023. Qatar Airways and Seashore Group were Gold sponsors while Al Rayyan Water, Aspetar, QIC and Qommunication acted as Silver Sponsors.

In line with Ooredoo’s commitment to supporting the community, all funds generated from registration fees for the competition will be donated to charitable organisations.

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