Samla Race partners with Visit Qatar for event’s international edition launch

Visit Qatar has partnered with Samla Race to launch the international edition of the Samla Race. Set to take place January 24th, 2026, the international edition of the race will welcome male and female participants from all over the world to compete in Qatar’s toughest endurance race.

Katara Hospitality joins as 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.

Engineer Abdulaziz ali al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “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. 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, said: “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 3km swim, followed by a 49km run. Competitors then tackle a 44km mountain biking trail, before concluding with a 4km 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.

The organising committee has allocated valuable cash prizes for the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories, with a total prize pool of approximately $300,000. The first-place winner will receive $50,000, while the second and third places will be awarded $30,000 and $20,000, respectively. Competitors placing fourth to tenth will receive prizes ranging from $10,000-4,000, 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 1 Qatar Grand Prix, and the AFC Asian Cup, Qatar has demonstrated its ability to captivate sport audiences and engage enthusiast from around the world.

• For more information about the inaugural edition of the Samla International Race, please click here or visit the following link: https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar/samla

• For real-time updates about the race and registration, please click here or visit the following link: https://samla.com.qa/samla100/