Doha is the capital of Qatar, a small country on the tip of the Arabic Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. With large oil and gas reserves, Qatar is home to a high powered economy, with expatriates and travelers filtering through its airport at a rapid pace. 50% Qatar’s population lives in Doha. There is some spectacular scenery for running in Doha, between Gulf views, dramatic skyline, and the surrounding Arabian desert.
The best bets for running in Qatar tend to be along the dedicated paths and parks. Roads are wide, with heavy traffic–though there are sidewalks. The most popular running route in Qatar is out along the Corniche, the paved crescent that follows Doha’s coast. The Pearl, a $15 billion artificial island north of the city, also has its own paved path along the water. There are also some great park routes around the city, including Aspire Park and Oxygen Park. For those who’s like to experience the challenge and drama of running in the desert, there are companies that organize expeditions.
While there are buses in Qatar, they are not widely used by tourists. Most visitors rely on taxis or hired cars to get around. The beauty of these running routes is that are situated close together, and if you’re staying downtown, you can hit them all during one visit.
Notes: Be knowledgeable about cultural sensitivities when running in Qatar. The Doha Bay Running Club has some good advice on the subject. Also, be aware of the heat. Summers especially are hot, windy, and humid, with average high temperatures in the 40c (110F+).
