Ooredoo and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), are proud to announce that Sir Mo Farah, one of the greatest athletes of all time, will be taking part in the half-marathon event taking place on Friday, 12 January 2018. Runners, new and experienced, in Qatar and from around the world, are invited to join Mo in Qatar’s capital city, Doha.

Mo Farah became the first athlete to win three long-distance doubles at successive World Championship and Olympic Games – securing his place in the history books when he won double gold in 5,000m and 10,000m at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

His participation in the half marathon event in Doha, will be his first event of 2018. It will also be his first under his new coach, Gary Lough, who coached women’s marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe.

The half marathon in Doha will be an important step towards the London Marathon in April 2018 where Farah will do battle with the Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge.

On coming to Doha, Mo Farah commented, “I am really looking forward to opening my 2018 season in Doha. I am looking forward to the event, as a chance to test myself on the fast and flat run along Doha, and also to hopefully check out the city.”

The invitational elite half marathon that Mo Farah is taking part in, will be part of the Ooredoo Doha Marathon which includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K events for adults and youth as well as 3K and 1K events for children. Over the past five years, the Ooredoo Doha Marathon has steadily grown to become the largest mass participation event in Qatar attracting runners from over 50 nationalities.

Mo Farah continued, “I also look forward to running alongside my fellow elite athletes and spending time with amateur athletes and spectators at the marathon. Doha is a truly international city, and that makes for a great atmosphere and overall experience.”

During his stay in Qatar’s capital, Mo Farah and other top international athletes will be visiting schools and universities to give talks and coach students. They are also scheduled to attend public events where fans will have a unique chance to meet their heroes.

Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting Chairman at QTA said, “We are delighted that Sir Mo Farah has chosen Doha as the launch pad for this exciting new chapter of his athletic career.” He added, “Qatar has played host to numerous global sporting events, and with its pleasant winter weather, world-class sporting facilities, and award-wining hospitality options, provides the ideal destination for athletes and sport tourists to come together and celebrate their passion for sport. We look forward to welcoming Sir Mo and all international participants in Qatar for the Ooredoo Doha Marathon.”

Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Having such a world-class and well-respected athlete like Sir Mo Farah enter the Ooredoo Marathon will hopefully encourage more people than ever from across Qatar’s communities to take part. This year we are asking everyone to be ‘united’ as we run, whether you’re running for health, for fun, or for a great cause, we hope that together we can make the Marathon a shining example of Qatar’s ability to host international sporting events, and inspire everyone to get active.”

Athletes interested to participate can register online at https://www.ooredoo.qa/cs/OoredooQatar/marathon_index.HTML Registration fees for the Ooredoo Doha Marathon range between 100 QAR and 250 QAR depending on the participant’s selected course and age. 100% of this year’s fees will be donated to charity.

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QNE

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