Under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Qatar Sports for All Federation announced today the details of the new edition of the East-to-West Qatar Ultra Marathon. This international race, organized in collaboration with the Qatar Runners Team, extends from the Doha Corniche at the Sheraton Hotel to the Dukhan Beach, covering a distance of 90 km.

This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Lusail Sports Hall, where it was confirmed that the annual race, now in its seventh edition, will take place on December 13 of this year. The race is open to all members of the community, both men and women, aged 18 and above.

The race attracts a large number of Qatari runners, including champions of the Samla Race, as well as runners of various nationalities. Mr. Abdullah Al-Dosari, Head of Activities and Events at the Qatar Sports for All Federation, mentioned that this year’s Ultra Marathon edition is expected to be exceptional, given the increasing popularity of the race each year. Last year’s edition saw around 1,000 participants from 73 different nationalities, including 733 men and 267 women.

Al-Dosari noted that the race is part of the Federation’s extensive calendar of major races and marathons, which includes approximately 29 races organized throughout the year in partnership with various entities and running groups in the country.

The Ultra Marathon, notable for its impressive 90 km distance, began as a small project among young runners and running enthusiasts from the Qatar Ultra Runner group, initially attracting just 15 participants before evolving into its current form.

Al-Dosari revealed that the upcoming period will see the announcement of partners to support the race, as well as details on the prizes for winners, through the Qatar Sports for All Federation app. He emphasized that the extended registration period of about six months provides participants ample time to prepare for the race.

Teams will be allowed to register with a minimum of two and a maximum of six participants, based on each team’s preference, with participants taking turns covering the six stages of the race. Individual participation is also allowed, provided the runner completes the entire distance, with each stage ranging between 12 to 16 km.

The race will consist of several checkpoints, starting from the Sheraton, then passing through Al Shahaniya, Al Nasraniya, Al Owainah, and Al Khuwair before reaching the finish line at Dukhan Beach. Each stop will be equipped with logistical supplies, including water and supportive drinks, along with ambulances and police vehicles to assist participants, under the supervision of specialized doctors.

The Qatar Ultra Marathon is an international race that challenges participants to traverse desert paths from east to west, taking approximately 14 hours. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the scenic marathon route from the starting point at Doha Corniche to Dukhan Beach, amidst favorable weather conditions during this time of year.