The Qatar East to West Ultramarathon, which tests runners’ skills to conquer the varied and difficult terrain of Qatar’s distinctive terrain, is an icon to human endurance.
Qatar East to West Ultramarathon was held on the 13th of December 2024, in Qatar. With more Ethan 1500 participant who crossed Qatar dessert with more than 90 km of trail running.
All information about G.O.A.T trail race 2024If you are interested in more trail running races in the GCC area, Check al Ula trail ultramarathon of Saudi Arabia Or GOAT ultramarathon of UAE
By combining physical strength and mental fortitude in one of the most difficult locations on earth, this unique ultra-running competition tests runners to the limit.
Qatar East to West Ultramarathon Overview
Conceived as a groundbreaking ultra-marathon event, the Qatar East to West Marathon emerged from a vision to showcase the country’s stunning geographical diversity and test the boundaries of human athletic performance.
The first edition of the race was on December 2017 and the race has quickly gained recognition among ultra-running enthusiasts worldwide as one of the most challenging marathons in the Middle East.
The race aims to showcase Qatar’s natural beauty and geographical diversity while simultaneously challenging participants.
An ultra-running marathon that draws top athletes from all over the world has grown from what started as a local project.
Distance and Route
The Qatar East to West Ultramarathon is not a traditional marathon but an ultra-marathon that spans approximately 90 kilometers (55.9 miles) across the entire width of Qatar. Runners navigate through multiple terrains, including:
- Sandy desert landscapes
- Rocky terrain
- Coastal regions
- Urban environments
- Challenging desert tracks
The route has been carefully planned to provide runners a thorough understanding of Qatar’s varied scenery, participants will face a variety of unique difficulties that will put their endurance and flexibility to the test.
If interested, you can access our detailed article providing complete information about the forthcoming Doha Marathon, set to take place in January.
Long Distance Running Tips
Long distance running requires a strategic approach that balances physical preparation, mental resilience, and smart training techniques.
Successful ultramarathoners and marathon runners understand the importance of gradual mileage progression, implementing a structured training plan that incrementally increases distance and intensity while allowing adequate recovery time.
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role, with runners needing to master nutrition strategies that sustain energy levels during extended runs, including balanced carbohydrate intake, electrolyte management, and hydration protocols.
Equally important is investing in high-quality, supportive running gear that prevents chafing, provides proper foot support, and maintains body temperature across varying environmental conditions.
Regular health check-ups, proper sleep, and stress management contribute significantly to a runner’s long-term success in conquering long-distance challenges.
Qatar East to West Ultramarathon Results
The race typically sees an elite group of runners completing the challenging course, with average completion times ranging between 6-16 hours. Winners often demonstrate exceptional athletic capabilities, maintaining impressive average speeds despite the harsh environmental conditions.
The winners of the Qatar East to West Ultramarathon 2024:
Male U40:
- AbdElAziz Ahnida (06:16:26)
- Rachid Boudalla (06:17:11)
- Ahmed Al-Hasouf (06:18:24)
Male 40+:
- Ahmed Sebbar (06:43:30)
- Evgenii Glyva (07:27:26)
- Nasreddine Mansour (07:44:32)
Female U40:
- Mary Nyawira Nganga (07:46:06)
- Marieraphaelle Molina (09:16:04)
- Jo Callope (09:33:11)
Female 40+:
- Angelita Maano (09:09:37)
- Riza Delarosa (09:20:23)
- Trudy Rowsell (11:46:26)
How to Prepare for the Marathon
Proper and planned training is necessary to get ready for the Qatar East to West Marathon:
Physical Preparation:
- Extensive endurance training
- Heat acclimatization
- Strength conditioning
- Long-distance running practice
- Cross-training exercises
Equipment Recommendations:
- Advanced moisture-wicking clothing
- High-performance trail running shoes
- Hydration systems
- Sun protection gear
- Navigation tools
Nutrition and Hydration:
- Specialized electrolyte management
- High-calorie, easily digestible nutrition
- Consistent hydration strategies
- Heat-adapted nutritional planning
Mental Preparation:
- Psychological resilience training
- Meditation techniques
- Visualization exercises
- Stress management strategies
Race Organizers
The main event organizer is the Qatar Ultra Runners group, which has numerous years of ultra-marathon management experience. To guarantee participant safety and event quality, they work with local sports authorities, global running federations, and medical professionals.
The Ultramarathon is characterized by a distance of 90km and was held on the 13th of December 2024. Ironically it was originally a small project among young runners which ended out to be one of the most challenging and awaited marathons yet.
Key organizational responsibilities include:
- Route planning and safety
- Medical support
- Logistical coordination
- International athlete registration
- Performance tracking
Their collective expertise ensures participant safety, route management, and an exceptional running experience.
Safety Measures:
- Medical support stations
- GPS tracking for all participants
- Emergency evacuation protocols
- Comprehensive hydration management
- Real-time health monitoring
FAQ
It’s a unique marathon that crosses Qatar from the eastern to the western part of the country, showcasing diverse landscapes and challenging terrain.
The marathon was held on the 13th of December 2024
The Ultramarathon distance is 90 kilometers
It’s an event that welcomes both professional runners and amateur enthusiasts, but it mainly focuses on professional runners because of its huge distance, promoting fitness and exploring Qatar’s landscape.
The route includes desert landscapes, coastal areas, and potentially some urban sections, offering a challenging and scenic running experience.
Hydration stations, medical support, route markers, and potentially transportation are usually provided by the event organizers.
Yes, it is held on December every year.
Conclusion
To sum up, The Qatar East to West Ultramarathon represents more than just an athletic competition; it’s a transformative journey that challenges human potential and celebrates the remarkable spirit of ultra-running.
By combining natural beauty and extreme physical challenge, this marathon offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As the event continues to grow in popularity, it stands as a beacon of athletic achievement, pushing the boundaries of human durability and showcasing Qatar’s commitment to international sporting excellence.
Future Outlook:
The Qatar East to West Ultramarathon is positioned to emerge as a top international ultra-running event due to growing interest from across the world and ongoing advancements in event management.
It is anticipated that future editions would draw more competitors from abroad and perhaps add new racing divisions and obstacles.
The Qatar East to West Ultramarathon provides a unique experience that goes much beyond conventional marathon running for athletes looking for the ultimate test of their mental and physical strength.
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