The 2019 Al Adaid Desert Challenge will be the biggest-ever in the history of the event in terms of number of participants and total prize-money, with more than 500 cyclists and runners already registered to compete for $50,000 on March 1 .
“We have completed our preparations to organise another successful edition of Al Adaid Desert Challenge. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners the event will see a record number of participants and offer a total prize-money that puts it among the top events of this category all around the world,” Al Adaid Desert Challenge Managing Director Dr Jamal Rashid al-Khanji said yesterday.
Once again the Khor Al Adaid region will provide a spectacular setting for the event offering the participants the spectacular desert and sea views of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonder.
Cyclists will follow a 38.5km route and will need to cross seven sand dunes on their way to the finish line, while runners will cover a distance of 26.7km crossing four sand dunes in the process. The cycling race has already established itself as one of the toughest off-road mountain bike races in the region. It’s a UCI Class-3 event and it also serves as the final stage of the Qatar National MTB Cross-Country Championship.
Two kids’ races at the finish line camp will offer youngsters a chance to get their first taste of mountain biking and provide an ideal family atmosphere. Kids aged 7-11 years old can take part in a short race around the finish line camp, while those aged 12-15 years old can compete in a 5km race on a specially-designed route.
Al Adaid Desert Challenge is organised by Qatar Cyclists Center in association with Qatar National Tourism Authority (QNTC) and is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sport and Qatar Cycling Federation.
Speaking on the occasion, Thani al-Zaraa, deputy secretary general of Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation, said: “Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an amazing event that all cycling enthusiasts in Qatar and the region are always keen on being part of it. The event is counting as The Qatar National Cross Country Championships, with biggest number of Qatari nationals on start line and for first time also Qatari women.”
With the event getting more popular each year, and the number of registered participants reaching 500, the organisers are now offering only last chance VIP registration for a very limited number of participants.
Director PR and Corporate Communications from Ooredoo Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the 2019 edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge. Supporting sporting events such as these is a key part of our corporate social responsibility strategy, especially when the event showcases the beauty of our country and all it has to offer. We look forward to an exciting race and some excellent performances under tough conditions from all the participants
Rashed al-Qurese from QNTC commented: “Al Adaid Desert Challenge, now in its fourth edition, has been successful in attracting local contestants as well as cycling enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over the world to participate in a range of race categories and titles for all ages and levels of players. Sports Tourism is one of the six key areas of our Next Chapter of National Tourism Sector Strategy 2017-2023 and we continue to work with our partners locally and abroad to grow the country’s sports tourism sector through supporting participatory sports events and raising their profile internationally to attract sports fans and athletes from all four corners of the globe.”
The event is sponsored by Doha Insurance Group, Ooredoo Qatar, Doha Takaful, Rayyan Water, Chevrolet Qatar, Doha Bus, Dama Sports Wear, Garmin Qatar, Rasen Sports, Hotel Royal Riviera Doha, Hotel St Regis Doha, Qatar Red Crescent and Mawater Qatar.
“We are proud of our partnership with Al Adaid Desert Challenge for the second year in a row, specially after the huge success of the 2018 edition,“ General Manager of Doha Takaful Ayed Hekmat said.
Organisers and sponsors of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge pose after a press conference yesterday.
