DOHA, March 17, 2018-Qatar will host its first-ever FINA HOSA Marathon Swim World Series event on Saturday, 17th March, with the turquoise waters of Doha's iconic Corniche providing a stunning setting for reigning Olympic and World Champions to go head in the 10km open water swim.
The public will also have an exclusive opportunity to experience and swim the same course as the elite athletes in an Open Water Challenge competition on Friday, 16th March open to anyone over 11 years of age.
Doha will open the FINA Marathon Swim World Series 2018, which features nine meetings taking place in some of the world's most scenic waterways, including the Seychelles, Portugal, Canada and China.
Over 350 athletes from over 50 national federations all over the world will compete in the one-day competition programme from March until November, with a total of $30,000 prize money available per event.
Speaking ahead of the event, President of the Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) and FINA Bureau Member, Khalil al-Jabir, said: “It is an honour for Qatar to host another prestigious FINA event and welcome the world's best open water swimmers to kick off their World Series campaigns in Doha.
A day before the FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim World Series in Doha, Qatari youngsters impressed with their swimming skills at the Open Water Challenge which saw hundreds of local kids and adults taking a plunge at the Corniche yesterday.
Over 360 Qatari kids from the neighbouring schools and adults gathered for the challenge to exactly sample the same experience as the world's best swimmers are participating in the Series today.