Marathons are passe. For those looking to push themselves with the ultimate physical test, it’s all about obstacle course racing.
Thankfully, the UAE is already home to some of the top global events, and a few home-grown ones.
Here are five you can sign up for your next challenge:
Desert Warrior Challenge
When: October 21, 2016
Where: Dubai Police Training Facility
Courses: Junior Warrior (1.2km), Fearless Warrior (5km), Ultimate Warrior (10km) and Extreme Warrior (20km).
Number of obstacles: 8 for Junior Warrior, 12 for Fearless Warrior, 20 for Ultimate Warrior and 30 for Extreme Warrior.
One obstacle to watch out for: Tarzan will be introduced for the first time in this edition. You will launch from a 4-metre high platform and hanging from a 12-metre long rope tied to a 5-tonne crane, you have to attempt to swing across a 13-metre pool. You either fall below or successfully swing across like Tarzan.
Price: Tickets start at Dh91 (Junior Warrior) and Dh86 (Fearless Warrior) for Early Bird tickets. They will go up if bought at venue.
Website: desertwarriorchallenge.com
Tough Mudder
When: December 9 and 10, 2016
Where: Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai
Courses: Mini Mudder (1.5km), Half Mudder (8km) and Tough Mudder (16km)
Number of obstacles: 14 for Half Mudder and 20 for Tough Mudder
One obstacle to watch out for: Arctic Enema 2.0 is an icy plunge involving 10 tonnes of ice jammed into a dumpster that you will slide into. You must scale a wall to escape the cold.
Price: Dh290 (Saturday) and Dh325 (Friday) for a the Half Mudder. Dh425 (Saturday) and Dh450 (Friday) for the Tough Mudder. Spectator fee is Dh40.
Website: toughmudder.ae
Spartan Race
When: November 18, 2016
Where: Mleiha, Sharjah
Courses: Spartan Sprint (5km) and Spartan beast (20km).
Number of obstacles: 20 for Spartan Sprint and 30 for Spartan Beast.
One obstacle to watch out for: Fire Jump is one of the final obstacles towards the end of your race. It’s a wall of flame you have to leap over to claim your finisher’s medal. Can’t do it? You’ll have to do burpees as a penalty.
Price: Tickets start at Dh264 for Spartan Sprint and Dh495 for Spartan Beast. Dh20 for spectators.
Website: spartanarabia.com
Ice Warrior Challenge
When: November 4, 2016.
Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
Courses: One course for everyone.
Number of obstacles: 15.
One obstacle to watch out for: The Cargo Net Crawl is exactly what it is. But you’re doing this at minus 4 degrees Celsius. There’s really nothing like it. Other obstacles include the zorb mall maze, monkey bar swings, tire course and black run climb.
Price: Dh250 (100 per cent goes to charity).
Website: Register at premieronline.com or go to skidxb.com for more.
Get Driver Fit Obstacle Course Challenge
When: November 17 to 19, 2016.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche
Courses: One course for everyone.
Number of obstacles: It’s still been designed.
One obstacle to watch out for: Fat Bike Cycling, a newly added obstacle involves cycling around the obstacle course in a fat bike. Time to work those calf muscles.
Price: Free
Website: yasalam.ae/get-driver-fit
