Power and stamina required: Qatar’s Samla endurance race goes international with new way of life ambitions

Run, cycle, swim and kayak – Qatar’s homegrown endurance race, Samla, will move a significant milestone on Saturday when it opens as much as the world.

For almost a decade, its unforgiving terrain and continuous format, has given the 100-kilometre race a popularity as being one of many hardest endurance challenges. Now it is getting into a brand new section for each the race and Qatar’s sporting way of life ambitions.

The race was created in Qatar and constructed steadily by means of native editions, incomes a popularity for its depth and distinctive format. According to Azzam Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer of the Samla Race Organising Committee, worldwide growth was a pure subsequent step. “It is the first international edition for Samla,” he mentioned. “It’s very well known in the local sports community, and now it’s going international, hosting international athletes and the local community as well to register and compete.”

Race with out a pause

Samla is designed as a continuous endurance check, protecting a complete distance of 100 kilometres inside a 12-hour cut-off time.

Athletes compete individually throughout six consecutive levels, shifting between 4 completely different disciplines. “It’s an endurance race. It’s non-stop, 12 hours, 100k, six different stages back-to-back,” Al Mannai defined to Euronews. “It’s based on time. Whoever finishes first is the winner.”

The course combines open-water swimming, long-distance working, mountain biking and kayaking. Unlike conventional street races, opponents face sandy and rocky circumstances that check each bodily preparation and psychological resilience. “The endurance terrain will be tough on everyone,” Al Mannai mentioned. “It’s not the classical marathon on asphalt. Sometimes it’s about competition, but it’s also about community.”

Growing worldwide curiosity

Interest within the first worldwide version has been sturdy. Hundreds of athletes have registered, representing dozens of nationalities, with participation open to each women and men.

The complete prize purse stands at greater than €250,000 ($300,000), awarded to the highest ten female and male finishers, reflecting the race’s rising stature on the endurance calendar. For Al Mannai, opening Samla to the world is about greater than numbers. “Qatar has always been known for hosting international events,” he mentioned. “Samla is a Qatari brand, created here, and now it’s opening the door for international athletes to experience it.”

Sport tourism and a neighborhood id

Visit Qatar has supported Samla’s transition to a global occasion as a part of a broader deal with sports activities tourism. Ahmad Al-Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, mentioned Samla’s evolution mirrored the potential of homegrown sporting ideas. “Samla is a Qatari product. The idea started ten years ago and it was very successful locally,” he mentioned. “The collaboration is about taking Samla to the next level and opening it for athletes worldwide.” He added that main sporting occasions proceed to play a rising position in attracting guests and showcasing Qatar past conventional tourism.

Technical backing for a harder race

The worldwide version can even be supported by international sportswear model ASICS, including technical experience to an already demanding race. Seiji Hori, General Manager of ASICS Arabia, mentioned Samla’s format carefully aligned with the model’s philosophy. “Samla is very unique and prestigious, and it’s becoming international,” he mentioned. “It’s a very tough endurance race that requires a lot of mental strength.” Hori pointed to ASICS’ tenet, explaining that endurance sport challenges each physique and thoughts, one thing Samla locations on the centre of its design.

A milestone second for Samla

As it prepares for its first worldwide begin line, Samla stays rooted in its authentic id, a race created in Qatar, formed by its panorama, and outlined by resilience. For Al Mannai, the invitation is straightforward. “We look forward to hosting everyone here in Qatar,” he mentioned. “To experience the hospitality, enjoy the nature, and enjoy the race.”

The Samla International Race takes place on 24 January 2026.