Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Endurance Racing Club (QERC) is preparing to host the Founder Cup International Endurance Race this Friday and Saturday at the Marathon Village in Sealine. The competition will feature both a 120km international race and a 100km qualifier, drawing 75 riders from various countries. This event underscores Qatar’s long-standing commitment to the sport of endurance riding.
The races are scheduled to begin with veterinary checks and rider briefings on Friday afternoon, with the actual riding competitions commencing Friday and concluding Saturday. Riders will navigate challenging desert terrain divided into stages, testing their stamina and the conditioning of their horses. The 120km race is broken into segments of 40km, 35km, 25km, and 20km, while the 100km qualifier features stages of 35km, 35km, 20km, and 10km.
Qatar’s Pioneering Role in Endurance Racing
Qatar has a notable history as a regional leader in endurance racing. According to the QERC, the nation was among the first in the Gulf, Arab region, and Asia to organize formal endurance competitions, beginning with 40km and 42km races in 1992. This early adoption reflects a cultural affinity for horsemanship and a desire to establish Qatar as a prominent equestrian center.
The first international endurance race held in Qatar took place in 1994 in Ras Laffan, marking a significant step in the development of the sport within the country. This event included both Qatari riders and international participants, fostering a spirit of competition and collaboration.
Evolution of the QERC
The QERC itself is a relatively new organization, officially established on October 7, 2021. However, it builds upon a foundation laid by the Qatar Endurance Committee, which originated as a department within a local club in the early 1990s.
The committee later transitioned to an independent body, operating under the administrative umbrella of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and receiving oversight from the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF). This structural evolution demonstrates a growing level of support and investment in the sport at a national level.
The increasing popularity of equestrian sports in Qatar has led to a greater focus on developing infrastructure and attracting international talent. The Sealine Marathon Village, the venue for this weekend’s races, provides a dedicated space for endurance competitions and related activities. This investment aims to enhance Qatar’s reputation as a premier destination for horse racing and related disciplines.
The 100km International Qualifier endurance race is particularly important as it provides riders with an opportunity to meet the criteria for participation in larger, more prestigious international events. Successful completion of this race can significantly boost a rider’s career prospects and contribute to Qatar’s overall standing in the global equestrian community.
Beyond the competitive aspect, these events also serve to promote the welfare of the horses involved. Strict veterinary protocols are in place to ensure that all animals are fit to compete and are not subjected to undue stress or strain. This commitment to animal welfare is a key principle of the QERC and the QEF. The focus on equine health is a growing trend in the sport of equestrianism worldwide.
Looking ahead, the QERC is expected to announce its schedule of events for the remainder of the year in the coming weeks. The success of the Founder Cup will likely influence the scale and scope of future competitions. Factors to watch include continued investment in infrastructure, the level of international participation, and any potential changes to the regulatory framework governing endurance racing in Qatar.
The QERC will likely continue to work closely with the QEF and the QOC to further develop the sport and promote Qatar as a leading equestrian nation. The long-term goal is to attract more international events and establish Qatar as a hub for horse sports in the region.
