The North Challenge
The first race against the clock in Qatar.
Race facts
- Race
- The North Challenge 2027
- Date
- Friday, 19 February 2027
- Start
- Heenat Salma Farm, Shahaniya
- Distance
- 2 hours against the clock on a 2 km loop, solo or relay teams
- Entries
- Coming up
- Organiser
- Qatar Ultra Runners
The race
The North Challenge is a two-hour running race. Athletes run a 2km loop for two hours with the goal of covering as much distance as possible, taking part individually or as a team of 3 runners.
Heenat Salma is an eco-farm and camp located in Shahaniya, north-west of Doha. Approximate driving time from Doha is 35 to 40 minutes.
Course information
- You will be racing on a 2km loop through Heenat Salma Farm, with terrain varying between dirt and paved roads
- Terrain: flat with some off-road sections — trail-specific running shoes are not required
- Hydration: two water stations are available on the course
- Night race: all runners must wear a headlamp for visibility
Safety reminders
- The course has reflective markers and directional signs, but visibility is still reduced at night
- Be extra cautious at turns and on uneven surfaces to avoid tripping
- Stay alert for other runners, especially when overtaking or being overtaken
- If you feel disoriented or unwell, stop at the nearest aid station or alert a race marshal
Race start and parking
- Location: Heenat Salma Farm
- On arrival, our marshal team will guide you to the designated parking areas
- After parking, proceed to the race start area
- Arrive before 7:30pm, as the course closes after that
Safety and medical support
- A medical team is on standby throughout the race. If you or another runner needs help, inform a race official
- Stay hydrated and refuel properly at aid stations
- If you drop out, inform race officials so we can account for all runners
- Emergency contact: +974 3372 1474
Race weekend
Schedule
- 17:37[Iftar available — meals for purchase at the race village]
- 18:30Bib collection opensBib number and timing chip at the registration desk
- 19:30Course closesArrive before this time to avoid access restrictions
- 19:45Bib collection closes
- 19:50Final race briefing at the start line
- 20:00Race starts
- 22:00Race endsRunners already on the course may finish their final loop
- 22:30Prize ceremonyAwards for top solo and team runners
- 22:45[Suhoor available]
2025 by the numbers
- nations
- 39nations
- male
- 155male
- female
- 95female
- athletes
- 250athletes
- individuals
- 123individuals
- relay teams
- 46relay teams
Rules
GENERAL RULES
Format: a two-hour challenge where runners complete as many 2km loops as possible. Categories: solo racers and teams of 3 in relay.
Timing: gun start — the race begins for everyone when the two-hour countdown starts.
At the two-hour mark the race stops, but any runner already on the course may complete their final loop. Any loop started before the two-hour mark must be completed to count.
Winner: the runner or team with the most loops. In a tie, whoever finishes their last loop first is ranked higher.
TEAM RELAY RULES
Only one runner is allowed on the course at a time.
Teams can rotate runners after any lap, but exchanges must happen in the designated relay zone near the start and finish line.
A runner may complete several consecutive loops before switching.
To switch, the incoming runner must receive the team's ankle timing chip before starting. A runner who starts a loop without properly receiving the timing chip is disqualified.
SCORING AND RANKING
Solo category: ranked by total completed loops. Team category: ranked by total team loops. If two runners or teams complete the same number of loops, whoever finishes their last loop first is ranked higher.
Mandatory gear
This is a night race. All runners must wear a headlamp for visibility. A limited number are available to buy at the race village.
Terrain is flat with some off-road sections — trail-specific running shoes are not required.