Building on growing regional appeal, with GCC athletes representing around 10% of competitors in the first edition

Visit Qatar, in partnership with Qatar Challenge Racing Club (Samla), has announced the return of the Samla International Race, set to take place on January 23, 2027. The upcoming edition will once again welcome male and female participants from the regional and around the world to compete in one of Qatar's most demanding endurance races.

Since its launch in 2017, the Samla Race has grown into a flagship sporting event in Qatar, attracting elite athletes and endurance enthusiasts alike. In the previous edition, participants from the GCC accounted around 10% of total competitors, reflecting the event's growing regional appeal and cross-border participation.

As the official partner of the international edition, Visit Qatar continues to support initiatives that strengthen the country's position as a leading destination for sports tourism and large-scale international events.

The Samla International Race is recognised for pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits. Spanning a total distance of 100 kilometres, the race is completed within a 12-hour cut-off time and features four endurance disciplines: swimming, running, cycling, and kayaking. Each stage is designed to test stamina, resilience, and versatility across varied terrain and conditions.

Further details regarding the race, including registration and participation guidelines, will be announced in due course.