Visit Qatar has partnered with Samla Race to launch the international edition of Qatar’s toughest endurance event – scheduled to take place on January 24, 2026 – which will feature male and female participants from all over the world.

Katara Hospitality will be the official hospitality partner, contributing to an exceptional stay that reflects the warmth of local hospitality.

First launched in 2017, the Samla Race has become a hallmark of Qatar’s sports calendar. As the main sponsor of the international edition, Visit Qatar highlights its dedication to sports tourism and reinforces its standing as one of the leading global destinations for major international sporting events.

“Our partnership with Samla International Race underscores Visit Qatar’s ongoing commitment to positioning Qatar as a premier global destination for major international sporting events,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar.

“The launch of the international edition of this race marks a significant milestone not only in elevating Qatar’s profile in sports tourism, but in showcasing an authentic Qatari initiative that has demonstrated excellence at the local level and now steps confidently onto the global stage.

“It also reflects the strength of Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, and the creativity embedded in its sporting culture. We are proud to be the main partner of an event that embodies both the spirit of challenge and the innovation that defines Qatar’s approach to sport and tourism development.”

Azzam Al-Mannai, CEO of the Samla Organising Committee, added: “We take pride in organising the international edition of the Samla Race, through which we welcome elite athletes from around the world to Qatar.

“The event serves as a platform for fair competition, cultural exchange, and a truly holistic sporting experience. We extend our sincere gratitude to Visit Qatar, the official sponsor, for their generous support of this edition, and we greatly appreciate the role of all official sponsors in contributing to the success of this exceptional sporting event.”

The Samla International Race comprises four endurance challenges: swimming, mountain biking, running, and kayaking – each designed to test the participants’ stamina and skill. The race begins with a three-kilometre swim, followed by a 49-kilometre run. Competitors then tackle a 44-kilometre mountain biking trail, before concluding with a four-kilometre kayaking challenge.

Registration is available through the official Samla Race website, where a comprehensive guide with rules and instructions can be found. The race is open to all nationalities and genders aged 18 and above.

It has a total prize pool of approximately USD300,000 in both the men’s and women’s categories. In both categories, the winner will receive USD50,000, while the athletes placing second and third will be awarded USD30,000 and USD20,000 respectively.

Competitors placing fourth to tenth will receive prizes ranging from USD10,000 to USD4,000, depending on their ranking. These prizes are a gesture of appreciation for the participants and serve as an incentive to excel in one of the most challenging races in the region.

Qatar’s global positioning as a hub for international sporting excellence continues to grow, and events such as the Samla International Race contribute to its sporting legacy. By hosting globally recognised events such as the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix, and the AFC Asian Cup, Qatar has demonstrated its ability to captivate sport audiences and engage enthusiasts from around the world.

GO: Visit www.visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar/samla or https://samla.com.qa/samla100/ for more information.