With Exceptional Community Participation, QOC Hosts Half Marathon, Team Qatar Village

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, HE President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Secretary-General of QOC Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, and Director of QOC Sport Sector and President of the QOC Half Marathon Organizing Committee Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani attended Tuesday the second edition of the QOC Half Marathon 2026, alongside the activities of "Qatar Team Village" and the Fun Run, at Lusail Boulevard, under the umbrella of the Olympic Council of Asia, coinciding with the country's Sports Day celebrations.

The gathering also included senior state officials, presidents of sports federations, delegations from the Olympic Council of Asia and the Organizing Committee of the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, in addition to prominent Qatari sports stars, including Mutaz Essa Barshim, Abdulrahman Samba, Abubaker Hayder, and Moaz Ali.

The second edition of the QOC Half Marathon 2026 witnessed unprecedented participation, attracting more than 10,000 runners, including professionals, amateurs, and community participants from diverse age groups, cultures, and nationalities. The event presented a vibrant and inclusive sporting scene, with total attendance across the race and Qatar Team Village exceeding 15,000 people.

In an energetic and lively atmosphere, the Fun Run for children was organized under the auspices of the Olympic Council of Asia, attended by senior officials from the Council, the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee, QOC leadership and staff, and large crowds of sports enthusiasts and families. The activity reflected growing awareness of the importance of physical activity as a healthy and dynamic lifestyle.

Senior officials of the Qatar Olympic Committee and heads of organizing committees distributed commemorative gifts to sponsors and partners in recognition of their contributions to the success of the event. They also crowned the winners of the main race and accompanying competitions across various categories.

In parallel, the QOC, in cooperation with several Qatari sports federations, organized a comprehensive program of sporting and recreational activities at Qatar Team Village in Al Sa'ad Plaza. The activities saw strong participation from families and children, featuring interactive games, sports competitions, and entertainment shows that promoted teamwork, participation, and enjoyment in a safe and family-friendly environment.

On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani affirmed that the QOC Half Marathon and the activities held at Qatar Team Village represented a landmark event during this year's State Sports Day and contributed significantly to spreading a culture of sport across all segments of society.

His Excellency expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the delegations of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Organizing Committee of the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games for their participation in the Sports Day events and their attendance at the QOC Half Marathon, reflecting the Council's commitment to supporting community-based sports initiatives.

He highlighted that this sporting scene embodies the vision of the Qatar Olympic Committee: "To be a leading nation uniting the world through sustainable sports development," while reflecting the unity of the Olympic message and institutional integration, contributing to the advancement of the Olympic movement at both continental and global levels.

For his part, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani emphasized the exceptional participation witnessed in the second edition of the race, exceeding 10,000 runners of different ages and nationalities, reflecting the prominent place of sport in Qatari society.

He reiterated QOC's commitment to promoting the concept of "Sports for All" as a sustainable approach to building a healthy and active community.

He added that the QOC Half Marathon is a firmly established annual event on the Committee's calendar and one of the most prominent community sporting initiatives, offering an inclusive platform that enables all segments of society to engage in physical activity in a competitive, healthy, and safe environment.

The Organizing Committee placed participant safety as a top priority, providing comprehensive logistical, technical, administrative, and medical support along the race routes, including water stations and first aid points, ensuring the event was conducted with the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

Volunteers played a pivotal role in the success of the event, demonstrating dedication and professionalism by assisting participants, offering guidance, and directing them along designated routes, contributing to a smooth and secure sporting experience.

Through organizing this Half Marathon, the Qatar Olympic Committee continues its efforts to foster a culture of sport in Qatar and encourage all members of society to engage in physical activity, laying the foundation for a healthy, active, and socially cohesive community.

(QNA)