If you think a marathon sounds too easy, the Samla International Qatar might be calling your name. This is a grueling four-discipline challenge combining open-water swimming, desert running, mountain biking, and kayaking — all without stopping. It's Qatar's most brutal endurance challenge. After proving its strength on the local stage, Samla now moves onto the global stage — the 2026 race marks the first international edition, open to athletes from around the world.

"Samla" means strength and perseverance in Arabic, and the race lives up to its name. This is a 100-kilometer extreme endurance race through Southern Qatar's desert and coastal terrain. It started as a local event celebrating Qatar's heritage of resilience, but has since evolved into an international competition that attracts athletes from around the world.

The format is straightforward in theory, punishing in practice. You'll tackle four disciplines back-to-back — a 3-kilometer open-water swim, a 49-kilometer cross-country run, 44 kilometers of mountain biking, and a 4-kilometer kayak to the finish. The clock starts when you hit the water and doesn't stop until you cross the finish line. You've got 12 hours total.

Samla Qatar 2026 is scheduled for 24 January — this time, the race will once again push athletes through Southern Qatar's dramatic landscape of sweeping sand dunes, rugged trails, and the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The race is open to anyone 18 or older, male or female, from anywhere in the world. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-endurance athlete or someone looking to test your absolute limits, Samla welcomes you.

The course breakdown

Open-water swim (3 km): You'll start your journey battling the Gulf's currents. Early morning temperatures can be surprisingly cool, so acclimatizing to the water conditions is crucial.

Cross-country run (49 km): You’ll be running through Qatar’s desert. Soft sand, rocky trails, and heat that builds as the day goes on. This is where many people's race plans fall apart. So hydration and pacing are key.

​​Mountain biking (44 km): This tests different muscles and different skills. You're navigating sand dunes and uneven terrain on a mountain bike. You will need both technical ability and willpower.

Kayaking (4 km): The final push. Your upper body takes over when everything else is done, and the finish line is right there, taunting you across the water.

Qatar's been building its reputation in global sports for years now. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the most prominent example, but it's far from the only one. The country hosts Formula 1 racing, Premier Padel, and a growing calendar of world-class sporting events. Samla fits right into this vision — it's another piece of Qatar's strategy to become a major player in global sports.

The difference with Samla is that it's not just about spectators. While Formula 1 and Premier Padel draw crowds to watch elite athletes compete, Samla invites everyday people with extraordinary determination to test themselves against Qatar's most challenging terrain. It's participatory in a way that sets it apart, and it showcases the country's lesser-known Southern region — an area of breathtaking desert and coastal landscapes that many travelers never see.

The Samla International Qatar prize money totals around USD 300,000, split equally between male and female categories. Here's how the prizes break down:

Even if you don't crack the top ten, everyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal, which might feel more valuable than the cash after 100 kilometers of endurance.

Registration is open right now on the official website. The registration fee is USD 350, but submitting your application doesn't guarantee you a spot. Spaces are limited, and the organizers are reviewing applications as they come in.

You'll need to create an account, fill out your personal details, and mention the most challenging race you've completed. The options range from sprint triathlons and 10 k runs to legendary ultras like UTMB, Marathon des Sables, and Western States 100.

1. Create an account. Once done, you will receive an email verification request

2. Check your email, verify your email address and sign in

3. Fill in your personal information and select your race experience

4. Accept the terms and conditions and submit the registration application

5. You will receive a confirmation email — the status of your registration application will appear as “Pending approval”

Before you commit, make sure you're actually ready for this. Most people train for months specifically for Samla. It's also worth getting travel insurance that covers extreme sports. Things can go wrong in a 12-hour endurance race, and you want to be covered.