Workers used to boost race numbers

Qatar club draws criticism for events surrounding world record attempt

Qatar’s treatment of migrant labourers has come under fire after organizers of a marathon bused in workers from their dormitories in the desert to make up the numbers.

The city of Doha’s premier sports club tried to break the world record for number of participants Friday in what ended up as a half- marathon.

However, participants were surprised to see large numbers of other “competitors,” mostly of South Asian appearance, running without proper gear. Some were wearing jeans and flip- flops. Some tried to drop out but, according to one witness, were ordered to keep running.

Eventually, the organizers gave up their attempt on the record after numbers fell short. The marathon ended early and the workers were seen being loaded on buses back to their dormitories.

The Mega Marathon was organized by the Al Sadd Sports Club, and aimed to get into the Guinness World Records by attracting 50,000 participants.

One participant told the local Doha News that it was “one of the most disorganized and chaotic events I have ever had the displeasure of attending.”

Another said: “The worst part of all was that there was a large mass of labourers wearing jeans, flip- flops and no proper running equipment. Some labourers tried to leave but were turned back and were yelled at that they need to stay and cross the line.”

Mega Gonzales Cervantes, a spokesman for the club, admitted to London Daily Telegraph that the event had asked companies to encourage workers “with decent jobs” to take part, but insisted it was voluntary and that proper running kit had been offered to them.