It served as the final leg of the IAU 50 km Challenge circuit, with runners gaining qualification through performances on one of the nine preceding qualifying races.
[3][4] The 2008 and 2013 editions were cancelled due to the number of world championships the IAU was already organised that year.
The team titles were decided by the three best combined times set by a nation's runners at the competition.
[4] The competition signalled commitment to the sport in Qatar, with Doha hosting its first ultramarathon in the months preceding the 2014 championship.
The European Championship and World Trophy places matched on the women's side, with Heather Foundling-Hawker winner of both.