Doha, Qatar, April 27, 2020: The Qatar Olympic Committee hosted its first-ever Qatar Virtual Marathon on April 21 connecting over 760 participants from more than 40 countries.
The 2020 Qatar Virtual Marathon – also a first for the region – was organised by the QOC in cooperation with Bait Al Mashura Finance Consultations.
Participants were able to take part in three different virtual events, a full marathon (42.195 kilometres), half marathon (21km) and 5km, from the safety of their homes.
The President of Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, took part in the 5km race. Sharing this on Instagram as well as Twitter, Sheikh Joaan said the initiative was a success and promised more virtual races.
“Now the team is working on a weekly marathon during Ramadan. I hope most of you will join the fun at home. Stay home, stay safe and stay healthy,” Sheikh Joaan commented.
Participants in the marathon and half-marathon had to take part using a treadmill while the 5km race could be completed anywhere: whether it was laps in the garden, balconies or anywhere else accessible to people in self-quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The virtual event was developed by the QOC to encourage people around the world to continue to keep active and promote the importance of maintaining physical and mental health.
