Doha, January 28 (QNA) - The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is entering the final stage of preparations for the 2026 edition of its annual Half Marathon, with a press conference scheduled for next Monday.

The Organising Committee will use the press briefing to present the latest organizational, logistical, technical, and administrative updates, including confirmed race routes, operational protocols, and services available to participants and spectators. Comprehensive safety measures, including medical coverage, emergency plans, and strategically placed volunteer and support points, have been implemented to ensure a secure and seamless experience for all participants from professionals and amateurs to families and young runners.

A standout feature of the event is the interactive "Team Village", designed as a vibrant hub for families and children, featuring a variety of recreational and sporting activities alongside community programs that enhance the celebratory atmosphere and make the Half Marathon a fully immersive sporting and social experience.

The race itself will feature carefully designed categories to accommodate participants of all ages and abilities. Children aged 6 to 14 will compete in a 1-kilometre race, while boys and girls aged 15 to 17 will run 5 kilometres. Open categories for men and women aged 19 to 39, as well as those 40 and above, will compete across 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km distances. In addition, dedicated "Team Qatar" categories for men and women aged 19–39 and 40+ will be included across the same distances, ensuring inclusivity and a comprehensive sporting experience.

The Organising Committee has called on all eligible participants to register through the dedicated link on the Qatar Olympic Committee's website, under the approved terms and conditions. The goal is to expand participation from 6,000 runners in the inaugural edition to 10,000 participants in 2026, from within Qatar and abroad, strengthening the event's competitive and international profile.

The QOC Half Marathon 2026 exemplifies the QOC's ongoing commitment to promoting sport as a unifying force, fostering social interaction and inclusion across diverse communities, and reinforcing the values of peace, solidarity, and fraternity. (QNA)