The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is a big highlight and the most challenging cycling event on Qatar’s off-road cycling calendar. For the fourth year in a row, the race is also part of the International Cycling Union calendar. Marked as UCI C3 Cross Country point-to-point race, it will cover 42 km of astonishing desert track from Sealine to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid.

This is the third year, since they added a desert running race to the event. 30 km is shorter but much longer in time and more difficult than a cycling event. It will be a proper endurance test for all running enthusiasts. A UNESCO-recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, this tranquil expanse of water can only be reached by crossing the rolling dunes. The rider will have to cross over eight of them and runners five to reach the finish line.

Besides the grueling sand dunes, there are several sandy patches on the flat parts which make the race even more challenging. Don’t be fooled by the length of the race, every sand dune, each patch of sand takes out something from you. To be competitive, you have to be extremely fit, have a good bike with optimum setup, choose the best path, and sometimes also be lucky.

LOCATION: MAWATER SAND DUNE (1 KM FROM SEALINE BEACH RESORT)

FEES:

STANDARD (until – 27/1/2023)

• MTB – Regular price of QR 250 ($69)
• RUNNING – Regular price of QR 250 ($69) MTB + RUN – Special price of 300 QAR ($82)
• MTB + RUN - Special price of QR 300 (82$)

LAST MINUTE (28/1/2023 – 7/2/2023)

• MTB – Last minute price of QR 300 ($82)
• RUNNING – Last minute price of QR 300 ($82)
• MTB + RUN – Last minute price of QR 350 ($96)

LAST CHANCE (8/2/2023 - 10/2/2023)

• MTB - Last chance price of QR 500 ($138)
• RUNNING - Last chance price of QR 500 ($138)
• MTB + RUN - Last chance price of QR 500 ($138)
• KIDS RACE
• MTB - QR 75 (20 $)

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION CAN CLOSE AT ANY TIME IF THE EVENT IS FULL.

There are 2 bike categories available to enter - Mountain Bike or Fat Bike:

• MTB (tire's size between 1.9" and 3.1")
• QATAR CHAMPION ELITE
• MTB & Qatari Male
  
• MTB & Qatari Female
• MTB Male
• MTB Male
• MTB above 40 Male
• MTB Female
• MTB above 40 Female
  
  
• FATBIKE (tire's size between 3.2" and 5.2")
• Fatbike Male
• Fatbike Female

RUNNING – Desert Run (20 km)
Running Male Qatari
Running above 40 Male Qatari
Running Female Qatari
Running Male
Running above 40 Male
Running Female
Running above 40 Female

MTB + RUN – Off-road duathlon (32 km bike + km run)
Duathlon
Duathlon Male Qatari
Duathlon Male
Duathlon Female

Kids race U12 Age 7-11 U16 Age 12-15

Source and image credit: Al Adaid Qatar

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