Visit Qatar and Qatar Challenge Racing Club Launch Second Edition of Samla International Race

Visit Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Challenge Racing Club (Samla), has announced the launch of the second edition of the Samla International Race, with registration open to male and female participants from around the world.

The collaboration forms part of a three-year strategic partnership between the two parties covering 2027 to 2029.

The second edition is scheduled for 23 January 2027 between Sealine and Khor Al Adaid, bringing participants together to tackle one of the toughest endurance races in Qatar.

This year, the Samla International Race will combine four sporting challenges: swimming, running, mountain biking and kayaking, all designed to test participants' endurance and skills.

The race begins with a 3-kilometre swimming stage, followed by a 21-kilometre run, a 22-kilometre mountain biking stage and a 4-kilometre kayaking stage.

Participants will then continue with another 22-kilometre mountain biking stage before finishing with a 28-kilometre run, bringing the race's total distance to 100 kilometres.

Ahmed Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said the three-year strategic partnership with Qatar Challenge Racing Club (Samla) aims to continue developing the Samla International Race and strengthen its presence on the international sporting stage, helping consolidate Qatar's position as a global destination for sports tourism and major events.

He added that the race exemplifies the integration of sport and tourism, as the visitor experience extends beyond attending the competition to discovering Qatar's varied experiences and events.

Azzam Abdulaziz Al Mannai, President of Qatar Challenge Racing Club (Samla), said launching the Samla International Race 2027 and signing the partnership agreement with Visit Qatar represent an important step in the club's vision to develop the race into an integrated sport and tourism project combining endurance and adventure sports.

He said the partnership would help showcase Qatar's natural and tourism assets and attract athletes and participants from around the world. He expressed his aspiration to build a sustainable international event that strengthens Qatar's position as a leading destination for sport and tourism.

The organising committee has allocated a total prize pool of USD 600,000 for winners in the men's and women's categories. The first-place finisher will receive USD 100,000, the second-place finisher USD 60,000 and the third-place finisher USD 40,000, while prizes for fourth to tenth place will range from USD 20,000 to USD 8,000 according to ranking.

The Samla International Race forms part of Qatar's programme of sporting events, supporting its efforts to consolidate its position as a global centre for sporting excellence and the hosting of major international events.

Source: QNA

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