The fourth edition of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, set to take place on Friday, 1 March 2019, is expected to be the biggest ever in the history of the one-day outdoor annual event.

The first few weeks of registration saw more than 250 adventurous cyclists and runners from Qatar and all over the world signing up for the challenge which will take them through one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert.

Taking place in Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO recognized nature reserve in the south-east of Qatar, the race will kick off from the area next to Mawater Sand Dune, opposite to Sealine beach resort. Participants will then head towards the Inland Sea, a tranquil expanse of water that can only be reached by crossing the rolling sand dunes. Cyclists will have to overcome seven of these dunes as they cover a distance of 38.5 kms to reach the finish line, while runners will follow a 26.7 km route that includes four dunes.

The UCI MTB Class-3 event is organized by Qatar Cyclists in association with Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and is supported by Qatar Cycling Federation.

A finish line camp will provide an area for the participants to relax and celebrate after the race, while a non-competitive kids’ race at the camp will offer a chance for all members of the family to enjoy the event.

The Al Adaid Challenge has earned a reputation of being the toughest off-road mountain bike race in the region, attracting cycling enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over the world, and with the introduction of a running race last year, the number of participants has significantly increased, reaching 359 cyclists and runners from 48 different countries.

Last year, Dutch legend and former Olympic medalist Erik Dekker defended his title in the men’s UCI elite category as Finland’s Pia Sundstedt won her third straight title in the women’s competition. Meanwhile, more than 60 Qataris took part in the cycling event, and Fawaz Al Hichan came on top to clinch the National MTB Cross Country Championship title.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, President of Qatar Cyclists, won second place in the same category. He said: “Cycling is more popular than ever in Qatar, we can clearly see that through the rapid growth of the number of participants, not only in community events organized by Qatar Cyclists, but also in official competitions organized by Qatar Cycling Federation. Al Adaid Desert Challenge is among our top annual events, it offers a mix of endurance and adventure sports, and once again a thrilling finale is expected as Qatari cyclists will be competing for the national title.”

Registration for the event is still open via the official website www.aladaid.qa and will run until 26 February 2019.

EARLY BIRD (until 31/12/2018)
MTB – Special price of 100 QAR (27$) only for online payment (credit card Visa/Master, PayPal)
RUNNING – Special price of 70 QAR (20$) only for online payment (credit card Visa/Master, PayPal)

STANDARD (01/01/2019 – 19/02/2019)
MTB – Regular price of 150 QAR (42$) (credit card Visa/Master, PayPal)
RUNNING – Regular price of 100 QAR (27$) (credit card Visa/Master, PayPal)

LAST MINUTE (20/02/2019 – 26/02/2019)
MTB – Last minute price of 250 QAR (69$) (credit card Visa/Master, PayPal)
RUNNING – Last minute price of 150 QAR (42$) (credit card Visa/Master, PayPal)

KIDS RACE
MTB – 50 QAR (14 $)(credit card, PayPal, voucher)

The starter package
The starter package for each participant of the race includes the following:
– the right to start at the race
– transport from entrance of the desert to the start area
– transfers of participants and bicycles from finish to start
– rider bag transfer to finish line
– a meal after race
– electronic (chip) timing of the race
– start number with attachment straps
– fresh water on the race water points
– emergency medical assistance in case of accidents during the race
– broom wagon support
– finisher medals
– the sponsors’ gift package*

*tba

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