Qatar- Samla trek returns with longer route, more challenges

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Following the unprecedented success of the inaugural Samla Desert Extreme Trek in 2014, the second edition of the adventurous, exciting and extremely demanding trip to the rough and at the same time beautiful landscape of Qatar is at the gates.
The starting date for the return of Samla, which is exclusively for Qatari male citizens, has been set for April 9 for another fascinating event held in Qatar's mainland and coastline.
"Less than two months from the start of the race we can all feel, judging from the early registrations, that anticipation is mounting. Besides the motivation of capturing the illustrious title of such a challenging race, the total prize money sum of 1.35 million QR makes Samla Trek even more tempting," Organising Committee president Admiral Mohammed Jassim al-Kuwari said.
The competitor who crosses the finish line first will receive 500,000 Qatari riyals in cash, the second ranked 300,000 and the third 200,000. Competitors who end up in places between 4th and 10th will be rewarded with a 50,000 cheque apiece.
"For all those interested in submitting their registration form, the procedure has commenced through our website www.samla.com since January 17 and will remain open until March 20," said al-Kuwari.
The race will last four days, beginning on April 9. It spans some 172 kilometres divided into four stages in remote and culturally rich locations around Qatar starting from the historical site of Zubarah and finishing in Ezba. The total distance competitors have to complete is quite longer than in 2014, when they covered less than 70 kilometres.
After the registration deadline is over, all eligible competitors will undergo a thorough physical examination by Aspetar's medical team. The screening, which will run March 20-24, is mandatory.
At the 2nd Samla Desert Trek, all selected competitors leave the starting line and "navigate", by following course markers, through a number of checkpoints to the finishing line as quickly as they can.
Challenges vary from moving heavy bags and climbing at Zekreet, to zip line and water running, swimming, sniper shooting, pigeon shooting, car repairing and dunes challenges. Three overnight camps will be set up along the course.
A ration of water and frozen dried food will be provided to competitors at certain stages and checkpoints. All will be supported by Aspetar teams.
The 2014 winner Sulieman Khwaiter will return to the competition this year too.
"Winning in 2014 was not easy at all, as I had to overcome many difficulties besides hot weather. This year would be even harder, but I am well prepared and I trust in the end I will be rewarded with the top position," Khwaiter said.
He added: "I train two hours daily, six days per week. I am mostly good in running, swimming and throwing. Being good in these three parameters, will hopefully be enough to earn me the winner's prize once more."