It was the first time the competition was in the Middle East and also the first time it was held in October. Due to the hot climate, there were no morning sessions and events were held in the late afternoon onward. Long-distance road events were scheduled to start around midnight local time.[3] For the first time sponsors of national teams were permitted to appear on the kit that the athletes compete in.[4][5] Athletes competing in Doha criticised the lack of spectators, the flat atmosphere, the heat, and the timing of events, and questioned why Doha was awarded the championships.