The North Challenge
The first race against the clock in Qatar.
Race facts
- Race
- The North Challenge 2027
- Date
- Friday, 19 February 2027
- Start time
- 20:00
- 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 brings runners to Heenat Salma Farm for two hours of racing under the night sky. The aim is simple: complete as many loops as you can before the clock runs down, taking on the challenge solo or sharing the effort with a relay team.
Set among the farm’s surroundings, the course combines paved and dirt sections, with each lap bringing you back through the start and finish area. Find your rhythm, judge your effort, and make every loop count.
Whether you are chasing a competitive result or enjoying an evening of running with friends, the shared course keeps everyone part of the action—from the opening countdown to the final lap.
How the challenge works
The North Challenge is a two-hour race where solo runners and relay teams complete as many 2.1 km loops as possible. Everyone starts together when the two-hour countdown begins.
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.
Once the two hours are up, no new loops may be started. Runners already on the course may complete their final loop. A loop counts only when it has been completed.
Solo runners are ranked by their total completed loops, while relay teams are ranked by their combined team total. If runners or teams complete the same number of loops, whoever finishes their final loop first ranks higher.
Course information
Run a loop through Heenat Salma Farm, following a mix of paved roads and dirt sections. The terrain is flat with some off-road sections, and trail-specific running shoes are not required.
Water is available on the course. As this is a night race, all runners must wear a headlamp and follow the course’s reflective markers and directional signs.
Race start and parking
The North Challenge takes place at Heenat Salma Farm. Follow the parking location link and the marshal team’s directions to the designated parking areas. After parking, proceed to the race start and registration area.
Arrive before the access deadline shown in the race-day schedule to avoid access restrictions. Allow enough time to park, collect your race materials, and attend the final briefing.
Bib collection and check-in
Collect your bib number and ankle timing chip from the registration desk during the published collection period. Check the race-day schedule for collection times and arrive early enough to attend the final briefing.
Each relay team member receives their own bib number. The team shares one ankle timing chip, which is passed between runners in the designated relay exchange zone.
Be ready at the start line before the scheduled start. The two-hour race clock begins for everyone at the same time.
Race categories
Solo runners compete in male and female categories, with overall and Masters classifications.
Relay teams compete in male, female, and mixed categories. Teams of two and three runners compete in the same respective relay category.
Team relay rules
Relay teams consist of two or three runners. Only one runner from each team may be on the course at a time.
Teams may change runners after any completed loop, or allow the same runner to complete several consecutive loops. All changes must take place in the designated relay exchange zone near the start and finish line.
The finishing runner must hand the team’s ankle timing chip to the next runner before that runner starts. The team chip must be worn by the runner currently completing the loop.
Teams decide how to share the loops between their members. When the two-hour countdown ends, the runner already on the course may finish their final loop, but no teammate may start another.
NIGHT RUNNING AND SAFETY
- All runners must wear a headlamp. Bring it fully charged and ready to use.
- Follow the reflective course markers and directional signs. Visibility is reduced at night.
- Take extra care at turns and on uneven surfaces.
- Stay alert to other runners, particularly when overtaking or being overtaken.
- If you feel disoriented or unwell, alert a race marshal or seek help at the nearest aid station.
Safety and medical support
- A medical team is on standby throughout the race. Inform a race official if you or another runner needs assistance.
- Stay hydrated and use the water available on the course.
- If you withdraw, inform a race official so the team can account for all runners.
- Race-day contact: +974 3372 1474.
Race weekend
Schedule
- 17:37Iftar 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
- 22:45Suhoor available
2025
By the numbers
- nations
- 39nations
- male
- 155male
- female
- 95female
- athletes
- 250athletes
- individuals
- 123individuals
- relay teams
- 46relay teams
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