2022 Spartan World Championships: The world’s toughest race returns to Abu Dhabi for the second consecutive year

More than $125,000 in prize money is up for grabs.

It’s good news for Abu Dhabi’s fitness fans as the 2022 Spartan World Championships are returning to Abu Dhabi at the end of the year.

Considered to be one of the toughest endurance and extreme races on the planet, athletes will test their stamina, grit and determination at the Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa from 3 to 4 December.

You can expect to take on an iconic desert terrain with vast sand dune trails where the best Spartan athletes will vy for more than $125,000 in total  prize money with the team event on the Sunday.

But you don’t have to be a pro to take part. The Age Group World Championship Beast and Open Beast will run on Saturday with an Open Team Super, Open Super, Open Sprint, and Kids Open on Sunday, allowing all Spartans the opportunity to test their mettle on the World Championship course or participate as a family.

Speaking on the announcement, Joe De Sena, Spartan founder and CEO said; “We’re excited to be back in Abu Dhabi after an unreal first year in the desert. We’re putting together a new course that will be one of our hardest yet — whoever leaves with the title is going to earn it,”

“But just as important is the opportunity for all our Spartans to challenge themselves on the same course as the Elites. If you join us in Abu Dhabi, you’ll leave a different person. You’ll unlock your physical and mental potential.”

 

 

Athletes in the Elite and competitive Age Group divisions can qualify through race series held in 14 countries, two regional championships, or at various wild card events throughout the year. Athletes must reach certain qualifying standards that involve both overall place and finish within a certain time of the winner.

There are no qualifications for the Open Beast (21K, 30 obstacles), Open Team Super, Open Super (10K, 25 obstacles) or Open Kids divisions.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council General Secretary Aref Hamad Al Awani said that hosting the Spartan World Championship fits within the ADSC’s philosophy of supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles.

“It was a great honor and prestige for Abu Dhabi to host the Spartan World Championship, and we are absolutely thrilled the endurance event is returning to the capital city for the second time in two years.

“This event allows the elite athletes as well as participants at all levels, from men, women and the juniors, to compete. It encourages and creates awareness among the community to lead an active lifestyle to prepare for the competition.

“We are also delighted to announce the 2022 Spartan World Championship will take place at a new venue at Al Wathba to provide the participants an exciting and breath-taking desert terrain in another part in Abu Dhabi.”

On Saturday, racing begins with the Age Group World Championship Beast followed by the Open Beast leading into the World Championship Super during the evening.

Sunday features the Open Super, Open Sprint, and the Open Kids races of varying distances. Sunday also includes the Team World Championship at the Super distance and Open Team Super — an event first introduced in 2017.

Athletes can register for the World Championships at Spartan Race.

 

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Image source Canva

Matt Cassidy

When he is not hunting for the latest piece of Abu Dhabi news, Matt is ticking off his UAE bucket-list experiences (although he does love to take a break to test out the fine restaurants and bars of the capital). An armchair sports lover, he is on a personal mission to attend every sporting event in the UAE to make out for most likely missing the big one in Doha in November.