Hatta: Some of the big names in endurance racing will try their luck as the inaugural XDubai Spartan Race takes place in Hatta, on Friday.
This inaugural event is the opening round of the first-ever Middle East Championship with top racers from across the world go head-to-head on a Beast course for a chance to claim the championship title along with a total cash prize of $50,000 (Dh185,000).
The main Spartan Beast race will kick off for both men and women at 7.30am followed by the Spartan Sprint over 5km and more than 20 obstacles at 9.30am at the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre. There will also be a Spartan Kids race at 10am. The awards ceremony is expected to be held at 12 noon near the specially set up festival area adjacent to the Hatta Fort Hotel with the winner in the Spartan Beast taking away $5000, while the second place will pick up $3,000 and $2000 will go to the third-placed finisher.
Frenchman Miguel Labranche of the Spartan Nomads who has already participated in 22 countries worldwide this year, is one of the favourites on Friday, provided he can handle the conditions. “To me the biggest challenge would be the weather,” Labranche told Gulf News.
“Once I am able to get used to that then I can fancy my chances because after that it all comes down to the actual participation that I am so used to,” he added.
Countrywoman Angelique Chetaneau is expected to fare well in the women’s race. But she too had her reservations. “In France it is minus one degrees at the moment, so it all comes to whether my body will be able to handle the stress and rigours of the UAE,” she said.
Forced into making her debut at the Middle East Championship after missing out on the European and World Championships while recovering from a broken arm during training, Chetaneau would like to pick up points in Hatta. “I will have something to show for the 2017 season. But the basic idea would be to go out there and have some fun,” she added.
The event was announced by Sean Meehan, Regional Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Spartan in the presence of Race Director Bader Khalaf and Hessa Al Kous, Sports Events Director at DSC. “This is going to be a very special event at a special place. Your admiration for this place will only grow with the race. While organising such an event we are merely carrying out instructions of Shaikh Mohammad as part of the UAE’s strategic development plan as an ecotourism destination,” Al Kous related.
“This is only the first of such big events and we are planning to organise a number of local and international ones in the future,” she added.
“The road to Hatta has been quite a journey and I hope everyone will enjoy an awesome weekend here,” Khalaf said.
Registration will open at 6am in a separate tent from where the participants will also be able to pick up their race kits.
Fact Box
THREE RACES
Spartan Beast: 20km and more than 30 obstacles: This is the most difficult of the three races. The Beast will test not only one’s endurance, perseverance and grit, but also the mind. The 20km Beast packs more than 30 signature Spartan obstacles along with the final hurdle to Spartan Trifecta glory. Fastest time may be around three hours. Start time: 7.30am both male and females.
Spartan Sprint: 5km and more than 20 obstacles: This is the shortest distance. It is perfect for athletes of all levels, from Spartan first-timers to seasoned racers. The 5km Sprint may be the shortest distance, but it packs more than 20 signature Spartan obstacles. Fastest time may be around 40 minutes. Start time: 9.30am to 9.45am
Spartan Kids: Up to 1.5km and between 7 to 14 obstacles: The mission of this category is to inspire kids between 4 and 15 years and give them the opportunity to get out, be active and enjoy the great outdoors. Start time: 10am
