Runjoying #03: A Desert City Adventure

🏝️ Desert cities might seem like an odd place to run, but this one can be an exception. If the weather is right, you might be in for an unforgettable adventure.

The scent of the sea, the warmth of the rising sun, the lush greenery of parks, and the calls of the muezzin echoing through the narrow alleys of the souq—all of this awaits you on our running route in…

Doha

Before I start praising this location, I must admit—I might not be entirely objective. As it happens, I was the first Polish child to arrive and live in Qatar (long story). Kicked the ball on stadiums here long before it was a thing. Since then the city has changed beyond recognition, but my fondness for what I consider a second childhood homeland remains.

Qatar, and especially Doha, is one of the fastest-growing places in the world. Thanks to the Al-Thani ruling family's development policies—financed by oil and gas revenues—the city's population has quadrupled in just three decades. Almost all of Doha is brand new, though on the route I suggest, you’ll come across some of the city's iconic landmarks, dating all the way back to the first half of the 20th century. 😉

Why Run in Doha?

• The Corniche: The promenade along Doha Bay has long been a central walkway in the city—and for good reason. It offers unforgettable views and, if you’re lucky, a pleasant sea breeze. To make running even more comfortable, much of it features soft running tracks alongside the walkway.

• Perfect Winter Escape: If you visit during winter, you’ll enjoy sunny, yet not overly hot, weather—while most of the Northern Hemisphere remains cold, rainy, or freezing.

• Parks & Green Spaces: Al-Bida Park is a good pick. It’s a vast green oasis packed with attractions in the middle of the city. A little-known fact: the first Polish expat in Doha, Andrzej Karpiński, was responsible for much of the landscape design in its initial version.

• Major Events & Attractions: Qatari authorities ensure there are plenty of reasons to visit. For digital leaders, there’s Web Summit Qatar ; for sports fans, there’s Formula 1 and world-class tennis tournaments. Beyond that, there are also some decent tourist attractions. Many travelers also make a stopover here when flying with Qatar Airways 

The Shouyoukh Mosque and the Clock Tower

The Running Route

The essence of this route is the Corniche promenade. There are many possible variations, but I’ve designed a 5-6 km loop that offers a blend of Doha’s past and present. If 6 km feels too short, you can easily extend your run northward along the Corniche before heading back.

🚀 Starting Point

1️⃣ Begin at the northeast end of Souq Waqif, near the stables. Before you hit Strava or Garmin, take a moment to snap a photo of Shouyoukh Mosque—one of the oldest in the city, recognizable by its sleek, jade-white minaret. Right next to it, you’ll spot two other symbols of 20th-century Doha: The Clock Tower and Amiri Diwan, the historical palace of the Emir.

The Run:

2️⃣ Head north towards the bay, cross the road, and reach the Corniche. Turn left. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay. At the far end of the Corniche, you’ll see Doha’s modern skyline and the pyramid-shaped Sheraton Hotel—once one of the tallest landmarks in the city, with a rooftop restaurant offering spectacular views of the bay and surrounding desert. In just three decades, it has been dwarfed by a skyline of towering skyscrapers.

3️⃣ As you run towards the north end of the Corniche, there are plenty of viewpoints where you can stop to admire the traditional Dhow boats. Pause to walk down the steps and taste the sea—it’s one of the saltiest in the world. You may meet someone there just as i did: 

Doha Bay and a Blue Crab caught off guard

4️⃣ As you reach the brutalist Post Office building, look for the Starbucks on your right. On this route, it's a good marker to decide whether to turn back. If you want a change of scenery, take the underground pedestrian walkway to explore Al-Bida Park on the other side of the Corniche Road. Parks are an essential part of social life in most Muslim countries, and Qatar is no exception.

5️⃣ Eventually, leave park and head back towards the Corniche. You may need to use the Corniche Parking underground crossing. Run past Amiri Diwan and return to your starting point.

🎁 Reward yourself 

After your run, take some time to explore the alleys of Souq Waqif—a vibrant marketplace full of shops, stalls, and cafés. Reward yourself with local dates and a cup of traditional Arabic coffee (qahwa).

Souq Waqif

Finding an Excuse to Visit

Need a reason to convince your family or your boss?

• For the family: Qatar offers much more than you might expect from a small desert country—world-class museums, premium beach resorts, and my personal favorite: the Inland Sea. This is one of only two places in the world where huge sand dunes meet the sea. You’ll need a 4WD to explore it, but it’s an adventure worth taking.

• For your boss: Tell them you need to attend WebSummit —the event attracts the biggest digital innovators from the region. You may also want to keep an eye on events by Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority or contact Qatar FinTech Hub if you're in my industry. Qatari's are usually positive and open to talk. 

When to Run in Doha

✅ Best season: December to February—perfect temperatures for running.

⚠️ Good but warm: March, April, late October, November—start early to catch cooler weather (~20°C), Perfect for a Sunrise run. 

❌ Avoid if possible: May to September—a scorching nightmare, with temperatures regularly above 30°C and highs in the mid-40s. Try night time. 

• Be mindful of Ramadan: During this month, most public places remain closed during the day, and eating or drinking in public is discouraged.