Spartan to Hold 2022 World Championship in Abu Dhabi

Spartan has announced that its 2022 World Championship will return to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from December 2–4 with athletes facing a challenging new course in Al Wathba.

This is the second year that Abu Dhabi will host the Spartan World Championship. The course features desert terrain with vast sand dune trails. The best Spartan athletes who qualify throughout the racing season will compete in the men’s and women’s individual World Championship Super on December 3, vying for more than $125,000 in total prize money. The Team World Championship Super will be held on December 4. 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.

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 athletes the opportunity to test their mettle on the World Championship course or participate as a family. There are no qualifications for the Open Beast (21K, 30 obstacles), Open Team Super, Open Super (10K, 25 obstacles) or Open Kids divisions.

“We’re excited to be back in Abu Dhabi after an unreal first year in the desert,” said Joe De Sena, Spartan founder and chief executive officer. “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. It’s possible thanks to the continued support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Council’s General Secretary, Mr. Aref Hamad Al Awani.”

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, is located about 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi City and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“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,” Al Awani said. “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.