2024 Samla Race from December 5 to 7; Competitors will be tested through a series of physically demanding stages

The 2024 Samla Race, which takes place over two days from December 5 to 7, will put competitors to the test over a variety of physically taxing stages, the organisers said Wednesday. 

In its sixth edition, the race, organised by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) with support from the Ministry of Sports and Youth as well as numerous elite commercial organisations in the nation, will see competitors competing in running, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, shooting, and kayaking to finish in one of the top endurance events in the area.

The event will begin with a three-kilometer swimming stage from the Al Ghariya neighbourhood to Fuwairit Beach, with record-breaking participation anticipated. Following the swim, competitors will immediately begin the 66-kilometer running stage, which passes through the Al Zubarah region and ends at Umm Al Maa, where they will have a rest. 

During the third leg, competitors will paddle a kayak six km from Umm Al Maa to the other coast. 

The fourth stage, a 75-kilometer cycling route from Umm Al Maa that passes through the Al Nasraniya area, would put their endurance to the test even further.

Before the second camping break, competitors will have to fire five shots at a target from eight meters in the fifth stage, which will test their air rifle shooting prowess. A 50-kilometer run from Al Nasraniya to the finish line at Umm Bab is the last leg.

Members of the organising committee and important stakeholders were present during a news conference held at the DAAM Headquarters to reveal the details.

In addition to offering a distinctive ultra-sport experience, the competition offers top 10 finishers cash awards totalling over QR1.5 million, along with medals. A QR10,000 incentive reward will be awarded to the eleventh place finishers for finishing the race within the allotted time.