The capital city of Qatar has become more than a cultural place over the years with features such as tours, sports, and shopping. The urbanised Doha has much more to offer than the long history of culture and traditions. One of the main reasons Doha attract tourists is the availability of golf related activities. The standards have greatly increased since the government of Qatar and private companies have financially sponsored the facilities opening the city up to more and more golf fans.

The Koh Samui Triathlon is an international standard race which comprises of a 4km swim followed by a cycling leg of 122km and running a distance of 30 km. However to include athletes of lesser ability a less demanding Duathlon event is also held for the amateurs in Koh Samui.

The acclaimed triathlon event held in Koh Samui brings the highly acclaimed discipline to the region. Offering a new competitive experience to local triathletes, the event enables them to test their abilities against foreign competitors. Race Director Gerald Iacono formerly directed the renowned Embrunman Triathlon in France, a grueling race consisting of swimming in a frigid lake and ascending into the mountains before embarking on the running leg amidst snow and thick fog. Needless to say conditions are very different in tropical Thailand, but the triathlon is just as demanding.

The swimming stage of the Koh Samui Triathlon takes place on Bophut Beach and consists of two laps of 2 km each. Meanwhile the extensive cycling leg consists of one and one half of a lap around the picturesque island, taking competitors through many of the local villages. There are three main climbs and numerous switchbacks on the route which is composed of both concrete and asphalt sections. Meanwhile the run takes competitors on a concrete surfaced road.

Triathlon appeared in an early form in France in the 1920s, but it remained a local low-key event. The sport as we know it now originated in the US state of Hawaii in 1980. Captain John Collins and his subordinates conceived of the sport as a means of testing the athletic abilities of the youthful recruits. Participants were required to complete the 3 main local endurance events consecutively: the 3.9 km Rough Water Swim of Waikiki, the 179 km Bicycle Race and the Honolulu Marathon stretching 42 km. The sport became known in Europe in the early 1980s with competitions commencing in France with the Nice Triathlon. The famous Embrunman Triathlon had its inception in 1984.

Visitors to the Thai island desiring a Samui resort will be well served by the Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui. This fine Samui hotel offers excellent accommodations and service assuring a pleasant stay.

A prominent fixture for horse and cart racing in the US thanks to the surrounding equestrian influence of several horse ranches in the area, Buffalo Raceway hosts races throughout the year and specialises in horse and cart racing which is more challenging that its classic counterpart as the horses have to pull a cart and rider as well.

Established in 1974 and held annually since then the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage attracts runners and participants from all across the world. In fact in recent years more than two thirds of the participants have been non residents. This year the event is scheduled for the 18^th of June 2011.

Organized jointly by the Anchorage Parks & Recreation and University of Alaska Anchorage, the event comprises 5 separate events. These are the Full marathon which is 26.2 miles in length, the half marathon – 13.1 miles, the marathon relay – a four member 6.5 miles stretch which is a new addition, the five miler course and the 1.6 long youth cup.

All the courses give participants a panoramic scenic view of Anchorage’s beautiful nature. Starting from the foot of the Chugach Mountains, the long winding course runs across the Cook Inlets cool edges.

In an effort to make the events more environmentally friendly, organizers have gone to considerable length to introduce eco friendly aspects. These are in the shape of scrapping paper trails and implementing online registration methods, eliminating balloons and using purely reusable decorations, use of bio degradable or recyclable posters, cups and containers.

As always winners of the marathon and half marathon in both the men and women’s categories will receive two roundtrip air tickets, courtesy of Alaska Airlines. Additionally, any contestant who breaks the men’s marathon record of 2:38:19 and women’s record of 2:22:29 will receive a $5000 cash prize this year. A $1000 cash award awaits contestants who break the half marathon records of 1:07:47 in the men’s category and 1:18:41 in the women’s category. High quality medals as well as t-shirts for all those who finish the race, are further additions to the 2011 edition of the race.

The race receives much support from the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in terms of their ‘teams in training’ programme which regularly sends participants for the event since 1994.

The Mayor’s Marathon is an ideal opportunity for travelers to seize the chance to visit Alaska and those looking for accommodation amongst Anchorage hotels will find the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage an ideal location. The hotel is set in a picturesque location which has made it the perfect setting for many Anchorage weddings.