Aggies excel in the Samla Race 2024
Published Jan 08, 2025Texas A&M University at Qatar students Saif Al-Mohannadi ’26 and Ahmad Al-Janahi ’25 completed the Samla Race 2024 successfully. Demonstrating exceptional endurance and determination, Saif completed the challenge in 38 hours, while Ahmad crossed the finish line in 45 hours—a testament to their resilience and perseverance.
The Samla Race is Qatar’s premier off-road endurance challenge, covering over 200 km of desert terrain within a 50-hour time limit. This ultimate test of physical and mental strength took participants from Al Ghariya to Umm Bab, requiring them to swim, run, kayak, bike, and shoot their way through an intense course designed to push them beyond their limits.
Al Janahi said, “The Samla Race is more than just an endurance challenge—it’s a war against your own mind. For 45 relentless hours, every step urges you to quit, but you fight back, silence the doubt, and push forward. I joined despite being unprepared and juggling finals, making the journey even tougher. But challenges like this reshape you, proving that you are unbreakable. After crossing the finish line, you're no longer the same — you gain patience, resilience, and a mindset that sees life’s obstacles as minor because you've already faced the worst. With only 40% of competitors finishing, completing Samla is a privilege. Not only did I break my record, but I also excelled in my university courses — proving that success is all about mindset and commitment. No words can capture the feeling, but the first thing I did after finishing says it all.”
Al Mohannadi said, “The SAMLA Challenge 2024 marked my second attempt, pushing me beyond my physical and mental limits. Despite minimal training due to my MEEN studies, I achieved a stronger finish than before, proving that mindset and determination conquer all obstacles. The most unforgettable moment? Crossing the finish line and celebrating with family and friends—a reward that made every challenge worthwhile.”
By taking on this formidable challenge, the students exemplify the Aggie spirit of perseverance, leadership, and excellence. Their remarkable accomplishment serves as an inspiration to the TAMUQ community, proving that with dedication and resilience, no goal is too ambitious.