Qatar's toughest endurance race goes international with larger prize pool

Doha, Qatar: Samla International Race for 2026 a 100km non stop, point to point endurance challenge is set to be bigger with talents from all over...

Doha, Qatar: Samla International Race for 2026 - a 100km non-stop, point-to-point endurance challenge - is set to be bigger with talents from all over the world competing for the combined prize money of USD300,000. 

The inaugural edition of Samla International will be held on January 24, 2026, with participants competing in a grueling multi-stage course spanning 100km, to be completed within 12 hours. The race combines four challenging disciplines: 3km swimming, 49km running, 44km mountain biking, and 4km kayaking.    

CEO of Visit Qatar Eng Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi and Samla CEO and Race Director Azzam Al Mannai announced the details of the upcoming event at a press conference today.  

Al Mawlawi stated that the competition will have an international flavour, making it one of the most important sporting events to be held in the region.  

Giving details on the race, Al Mannai stated that participants will set off from Sealine Beach, proceed to Khor Al Udaid and return to the starting point.