Doha: Following the success of the inaugural Samla Desert Extreme Trek in 2014, the second edition of the adventurous, exciting and demanding trip to the rough and beautiful landscape of Qatar is at the gates.
The starting date for the return of Samla is April 9 for another event in Qatar’s mainland and coastline.
Details about the event addressed to Qatari males were revealed at a press conference yesterday by Admiral Mohammed Jassim Al Kuwari, President of the Organising Committee. “Less than two months from the start of the race we can feel, judging from the early registrations, that anticipation is mounting. Besides the motivation of capturing the title of such a challenging race, the total prize of QR1.35m makes the event more tempting.”
The competitor who crosses the finish line first will receive QR500,000, the second ranked QR300,000 and the third QR200,000. Competitors who end up in places between fourth and 10th will receive QR50,000 cheque each.
“For those interested in submitting registration forms, the procedure commenced on our website www.samla.com on January 17 and is open until March 20” Al Kuwari said, highlighting rules and regulations. The race lasts four days, beginning on April 9. It spans some 172km into four stages in remote and culturally-rich locations starting from the historical site of Zubara and finishing in Ezba. The total distance competitors have to complete is longer than in 2014, when they covered less than 70km.
“After the registration deadline is over, all eligible to compete will undergo physical examination by a team of Aspetar, our medical sponsor. The participants’ screening is mandatory at Aspetar facilities from March 20 to 24,” he added.
All selected competitors leave the starting line and “navigate” by following course markers, through checkpoints to the finish line as quickly as they can. Challenges vary from fletching at the well close to Zubara, moving heavy bags and climbing at Zekrit to zip line and water running, swimming, sniper and pigeon shooting, cars repair and dunes’ challenges. Three overnight camps are set up.
A ration of water and frozen dried food will be provided to competitors at certain stages and checkpoints. All will be supported by Aspetar’s medical and operations teams.
Among the entrants will be the 2014 winner Sulieman Khwaiter. “Winning in 2014 was not easy at all, as I had to overcome many difficulties and the hot weather. This year would be harder, but I am well prepared and I trust in the end I will be rewarded with the top position,” said Khwaiter who had never practiced a specific sport before. “I train two hours daily, six days a week. I am mostly good in running, swimming and throwing. Being good in these three parameters will hopefully be sufficient to earn me the winner’s prize once more,” he added.
The Peninsula
