May Recap: Lusail International Circuit Powers Community Engagement and Championship Excellence
May showcased Lusail International Circuit's (LIC) diverse programming excellence, featuring an impressive blend of international sporting events, championship motorsport action, and groundbreaking community initiatives, highlighting its growing role in promoting motorsports and community involvement in Qatar.
Driving enthusiasts were treated to the ultimate track experience with Track Day Plus on May 8th. The premium evening session allowed participants to push their vehicles to the limit on the world-class circuit, with drivers completing multiple laps of the iconic Lusail track, for four consecutive hours, under expert supervision in a safe, controlled environment.
On May 17, round 3 of the FIM MiniGP Qatar Championship lit up Lusail’s karting track, as Jake Franklin delivered a flawless performance, claiming both race wins and jumping to the top of the standings with 118 points followed Andrea Giacchero with 116 points and Mohammed Al Mutawa with with overall 100 points.
The month's crown jewel was the One Run International Half Marathon held on May 23rd, where Qatar joined over 25 countries in the world's largest synchronized half marathon event. More than 2500 participants took on the course around LIC's iconic F1® circuit, contributing to the global participation of over 250,000 runners across 15 time zones. The event holds two Guinness World Records for synchronized mass participation.
On May 24th, LIC hosted the Abaya Rally, the Middle East's premier all-women automotive celebration. This full-day event combined cars, fashion, music, and sisterhood, setting a Guinness World Record for female participation in a digital empowerment campaign. Women drove various vehicles, celebrating cultural heritage and breaking barriers with the message "Together, We Move."
Motorsport excellence continued with the Qatar Karting Championship series, as the championship saw intense competition across rounds 2 and 3, held from 26-29 May. Tameem Hassiba and Karim Rizkallah emerged as the standout performers, claiming victories in both rounds respectively, while Mohammed Al Thani also demonstrated remarkable consistency with podium finishes in these rounds. The championship drew competitive fields of 22-24 drivers, showcasing the growing depth of karting talent in Qatar and reinforcing its role as a crucial development platform for the nation's motorsport future.
Community fitness remained a cornerstone of LIC's programming with two highly successful Mixed Training Days on May 5th and May 28th. These evening sessions welcomed participants, offering the unique opportunity to run, walk, or cycle on Qatar's F1® track. The 3-hour sessions attracted fitness enthusiasts of all levels who experienced the thrill of training on the same 5.38km circuit that hosts Formula 1®, MotoGP™, and WEC championships.
These May achievements reinforce LIC's unique position as a venue that seamlessly blends world-class motorsport facilities with inclusive community programming, supporting Qatar's National Vision 2030 goals of promoting active lifestyles, cultural celebration, and international sporting excellence.
For upcoming events and championship updates, follow Lusail International Circuit's social media channels and visit the official website at lcsc.qa.