The much-awaited day has finally arrived when the world will watch Qatar mark one of the largest athletics championships in history.

With over 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries ready to battle it out at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, the mega sporting event confirms Qatar's prestigious role as the region's unparalleled sporting hub. 

The games will begin this afternoon at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium, but the official opening will be held tonight at Doha Corniche. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will grace the opening ceremony, marking the kick-off of the 17th edition of the championships,  which will run from September 27 to October 6.

This is the first time the IAAF World Athletics Championships are being held in the Middle East.

HH the Amir will open the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 on the Doha Corniche on Friday evening. The 17th edition of the IAAF World Athletics Championships is hosted by Qatar from September 27 to October 6 #QNA pic.twitter.com/JDTf4o6lGF

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 26, 2019

The event will also witness the first-ever IAAF midnight marathon, where the world's top athletes will race to the finish line at the Corniche against the captivating Doha skyline. 

The full details of the games and timings are available here. 

Director-General of the Organizing Committee of the Championships and President of the Asian Athletics Federation, Dahlan Al Hamad said in a statement that Doha is fully prepared for the major sporting event.

He added that everyone in Qatar has worked hard to achieve the distinctive success that Qatar has always known for in such big events and to ‘prove to the world that we are also ready to present a special World Cup in 2022.

The IAAF President, Lord Sebastian Coe, praised the great efforts made by the Organizing Committee of the championship and the facilities provided by Doha to present the amazing world championships in Qatar.

He underlined that the world is waiting to see a large number of world records made in various races and competitions of the Doha 2019 and that Khalifa Stadium will support the champions in their quest.

The Doha 2019 may witness some world records made since years ago, most notably in the 400M hurdles as three runners with the second and third best timing will compete Norwegian Karsten Warholm (46.92 seconds), Qatar’s Abdulrahman Samba and American Rai Benjamin (both 46.98s). 

The list of athletes also includes athletes from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, and the UAE.

Khalifa International Stadium will host the IAAF World Athletics Championships except for the 20- and 50-kilometer marathon and walking competitions which will be on the Doha Corniche.

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Cover Image Credit: Qatar Tribune