DOHA, QA / ACCESS Newswire / January 27, 2026 / Visit Qatar in collaboration with Samla Race has successfully concluded the Samla International Race 2026, held on January 24, marking a significant milestone as the event welcomed 50 athletes from around the world to Qatar to compete alongside residents representing a wide range of nationalities. The race attracted 336 participants representing 50 nationalities.
First launched in 2017, the Samla Race has become a hallmark of Qatar’s sports calendar, marking its first global edition this year.
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.
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.
A total of 1,200 spectators and attendees were recorded across the racecourse and associated activations. The strong turnout reflects the rising interest of the Samla Race and its evolution into a global 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.
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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About Visit Qatar
Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism. Visit Qatar’s mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Echain and boosting the entire tourism value chain and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.com
SOURCE: Visit Qatar
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