The 2024 Samla Race, set to take place from December 5 to 7 in Doha, Qatar, promises to be a grueling 200-kilometre contest where competitors will be tested through a series of physically demanding stages. Organized by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) with support from the Ministry of Sports and Youth and various commercial entities, the race is now in its sixth edition and is one of the region’s premier endurance events.
Participants in the race will engage in swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, shooting, and running to complete the challenge. The race will kick off with a three-kilometre swimming stage from the Al Ghariya area to Fuwairit Beach, followed by a 66-kilometer running stage through Al Zubarah area towards Umm Al Maa. Participants will then kayak six kilometers from Umm Al Maa to the opposite shore and embark on a 75-kilometer cycling route from Umm Al Maa through the Al Nasraniya area.
The fifth stage of the race will test participants’ air rifle shooting skills, with athletes shooting five rounds at a target from 8 meters before the second camping break. The final stage will be a 50-kilometer run from Al Nasraniya to the finish line in Umm Bab. With record levels of participation expected, the challenge is set to be intense, and participants will need to showcase their endurance and skills to complete the race.
During a press conference held at the DAAM Headquarters, the details of the race were unveiled. The Organizing Committee Head Azzam Al Mannai expressed gratitude to the Minister of Sports and Youth H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for his support, as well as to all partners and sponsors. Al Mannai highlighted the significant increase in the level of challenge with each new edition of the race, ensuring that the difficulty level aligns with the capabilities of the participants.
Yousef Mohammed Al Nuaimi, the Director of the Shared Services Department at DAAM, expressed pride in supporting the sixth edition of the race and stated that the Fund will provide financial support. Publicly listed companies in the Qatar Stock Exchange are also essential partners in supporting the Fund’s mission for sustainable community development in alignment with Qatar’s 2030 vision. Prominent figures such as Rashid Al Buainain, Saqr Saeed Al Mohannadi, Mohammed Jassim Al Jaidah, and Ahmed Abdullah have pledged their support to make the race a grand success.
Apart from the unique ultra-sport experience, the race promises grand rewards for the winners, with medals and cash awards totaling over QR1.5m for the top 10 finishers. Participants finishing from eleventh place onward will receive QR10,000 as an encouragement prize for completing the race within the time limit. The race is expected to attract a significant fan base and garner considerable interest from Qatari youth, making it a highly anticipated event in the region.
