Sharjah: Sharjah will host a gruelling 20km Spartan Race dotted with 30 obstacles in the ancient Maliha area on November 18.
Thousands of participants will run, climb, push, pull, throw and crawl through unknown terrain, through “130 years of unspoilt Bedouin culture preserved in breathtaking natural landscapes”, said race host Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
Maliha has been in existence since the Palaeolithic Period, and its attractions are being developed by the Maliha Archaeological and Ecotourism Project.
Organisers said the next month’s event will “make history” with the world’s best obstacle race, organised by the Spartan Race in partnership with Reebok and XDubai.
It will feature the first-ever ‘Spartan Beast’ contest in the Middle East, aimed at seasoned athletes trained physically and mentally for tougher terrain and bigger obstacles. There will also be a ‘Spartan Sprint’ section aimed at people of all endurances and abilities.
Mahmoud Deemas, project manager of the Maliha project, said: “Over the years, the Spartan Race has proved to be fun, challenging and extremely rewarding for competitors. Since it is intended to test the perseverance and overall balance of an individual, participants can choose challenges according to their preferences and can throw down the gauntlet to their families, friends and colleagues with an offer of friendly competition.”
Rayyan Agha, managing director, Spartan Race, said, “Sharjah is home to the Maliha Archaeological and Ecotourism destination, which, thanks to its remarkable and natural mountains, dunes and hills, supports the type of environment we want to deliver to all our participants to help them triumph in the races in the best and most premium standards.”
With 50 per cent of registrations already sold out with only 10 weeks to go, the Spartan Race has gained year-on-year popularity in the UAE.
Online bookings for the Spartan Race is now open and can be made through the event’s official website, www.spartanarabia.com.
