Visit Qatar has successfully concluded the Samla International Race 2026, held on January 24, marking a significant milestone as the event welcomed 50 international athletes travelling to Qatar to compete alongside Qatar- based residents representing a wide range of nationalities
Athletes competed across six consecutive stages, including a 3-kilometre open-water swim, a 21-kilometre run, a 22-kilometre mountain biking segment, a 4-kilometre kayaking stage, a second 22-kilometre cycling leg, and a final 28-kilometre run to the finish line.
The race attracted 336 participants representing 50 nationalities, with Qatari nationals accounting for 42.14% of total participation, underscoring strong local engagement. Among the international field, the highest participation came from the Philippines (6.35%), the United Kingdom (5.35%), Kuwait (4.35%), and Bahrain and Tunisia (3.34% each), reflecting the event’s growing appeal across key regional and international markets. A total of 1,200 spectators and attendees were recorded across the racecourse and associated activations. The strong turnout reflects rising international interest in the Samla Race and its evolution into a globally competitive endurance event.
The race brought together elite male and female athletes from Qatar and overseas, delivering a uniquely demanding endurance challenge that tested physical strength, resilience, and adaptability across Qatar’s diverse natural landscapes.
In the men’s category, Bradly Weiss secured first place, followed by Henri Schoeman and Milan Brons. In the women’s category, Rachel Klamer claimed victory, with Jessica Learmonth and Maria Nogueira completing the podium.
Commenting on the successful conclusion of the race, Ahmed Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said: “Samla International Race demonstrates how Qatar continues to develop distinctive sporting events that resonate both locally and internationally. The participation of athletes from 50 nationalities, with a strong base of Qatari competitors alongside a diverse international field, reflects the event’s expanding global appeal. Through supporting endurance events of this caliber, Visit Qatar is strengthening the country’s international sporting calendar while showcasing Qatar’s varied natural terrain as a stage for world-class competition.”
Azzam Al-Mannai, CEO of Qatar Challenge Racing Club (Samla), said: “The successful delivery of Samla International 2026 marks an important step in the evolution of the Samla Race. What began as one of the most challenging endurance events in Qatar has now opened its doors to the world, welcoming elite male and female athletes from across the globe. This international edition reflects our long-term vision to position Samla as a globally recognized endurance race, while remaining true to its core values of resilience, self-reliance, and respect for the land. We are proud of what has been achieved and grateful to our partners, athletes, and organizing teams who made this milestone possible.”
The race was delivered with the support of key strategic partners, including Katara Hospitality, Qatar Insurance Group, Defender – Al Fardan, and Mazzraty, with Red Bull serving as the official energy drink partner. ASICS participated as the official sportswear partner.
The successful delivery of the Samla International Race 2026 supports Visit Qatar’s strategy to host high-impact sporting events that contribute to the growth of sports tourism, with Samla positioned as a flagship endurance race within Qatar’s expanding sporting calendar.
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