Abu Dhabi Hosts First Spartan World Championship Outside U.S.

Spartan World Championship. (Source: WAM via The National News)

JAKARTA - Celebrating the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi will host the first Spartan World Championships held outside the United States (USA).

The world championships are planned to take place in the Liwa Desert from December 3 to 5, filled with a series of activities of the Spartan Children's World Championship, the Elite Spartan World Championship and the Spartan Team World Championship.

"The Spartan Worlds is a unique and innovative event taking place in the spectacular Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi," abu Dhabi Sports Council Secretary General Aref Al Awani said, as reported by The National News of the WAM State News Agency.

The championship will be even grander as it also coincides with the UAE's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The tournament will begin on Friday, December 3, with the Spartan Children's World Championship race.

Furthermore, the event will be followed by the Spartan Elite World Championship. Considered the crown jewel of the weekend, the competitors took part in a mix of half-marathon high-speed running, burning legs, and steep climbs.

Spartan World Championship. (Source: WAM via The National News)

Originally, the world championship was held in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred globally, caused the world championships to be postponed.

Spartan Business Development Director Cherie Bortnick explains why the UAE capital was chosen as the venue of the year.

"Abu Dhabi's terrain is unique. Most Spartans around the world take courses in mountains, farms, parks, stadiums and dirt fields," he said.

"Few and far between Spartans experience the desert landscape. Abu Dhabi will open up a whole new, entirely unique terrain in this region of the world," Bortnick continued.

Not only the terrain is different from previous events that are always held in the U.S.

"The World Championships have historically been held in September, but when new products and championships emerge, we know it is time to extend the season and ensure that the World Championships become the last race of the season," he said.

He added that the weather in Abu Dhabi in December was perfect. For the record, the Emirates is no stranger to global tournaments and is already home to top competitions such as the ABU Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.