Al Adaid Desert Challenge in Qatar Next Month – An Endurance Race Amidst the Dunes

Postponed last year, the eagerly anticipated Al Adaid Desert Challenge will take place next month. Currently, it’s set for 25th February 2022 and those finding Doha hotel deals for a stay during that period can look to catch some of the action. Featuring off-road cycling and running, the event will start at the Mawater sand dune which can be reached on excursions from properties like Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; from there, participants will make their way across a route that will take them over the dunes to the stunning Khor Al Adaid or “Inland Sea”.

The Al Adaid Desert Challenge comes under the UCI Class 2 (Cross Country Marathon) category for cycling; it will feature at least a 60 km route under the UCI XCM category and a 40 km route for regular mountain biking. Runners will have to negotiate a route that’s nearly 30 km, while there will be an off-road duathlon with both cycling and running on a 40 km and 7 km route respectively.