The XDubai Spartan Race, Presented by Dubai Holding, set for return to Hatta

Action sports brand XDubai, together with Spartan Arabia and supporting partner Dubai Sports Council, are formally announcing  the XDubai Spartan Race, presented by Dubai Holding’s return to Hatta. Set for Friday 16 November during the Dubai Fitness Challenge (26 Oct – 24 Nov), the race is expected to attract over 4,500 participants across two adult race lengths and one challenging kids’ race.

Open to both women and men over the age of 14, the race will be held on the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail and will feature two lengths, a 5+ Km Sprint with more than 20 signature Spartan obstacles, suitable for athletes of all levels; and a more demanding option of a 13+ Km Super, with over 25 signature Spartan obstacles. Both races include ‘Open’, ‘Age Group’ and ‘Elite’ category options as well as the choice to sign up as a team or as an individual. The Spartan Kids’ Race will also offer younger Spartans, aged  4 to 14, the opportunity to push their limits with race distances ranging from 800m for kids aged 4-6 years, to 1.6km for kids aged 7-9 years and 3.2km for kids aged 10-14 years. The kids’ races aim to inspire the next generation of young Spartans to challenge themselves at a young age and remain active, while also having fun.

Speaking about the XDubai Spartan Race, Presented by Dubai Holding, His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council said: "Based on the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we at Dubai Sports Council have been focused on organising a greater number of sports events in Hatta and developing the sporting infrastructure of the city, raising the awareness about its potential as a fresh and fantastic new sports tourism destination. We are really happy to see the Spartan Race return to the beautiful, but challenging terrain of Hatta for a second year. Last year, the Race was a huge success with thousands of people taking part, both amateurs and pros, young and old, men and women. And we are expecting another great event."

Held again during the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the 2018 race follows the Hatta area’s first hosting of the Spartan Race series in November 2017; a race that saw over 3000 people from across the region and world compete. Both last year’s and this year’s races are made possible thanks to a partnership between XDubai and Dubai Holding.

Speaking about the race and partnership, Mohammed Javad, General Manager of XDubai said: “Hatta is fast becoming known as the destination for action and adventure sport enthusiasts, so it is only fitting that the region’s premiere adventure race series returns to this picturesque and challenging locale following an exceptionally successful first race last year. Our partnership with Dubai Holding has allowed us to encourage more people than ever before to defy their limits and we’re looking forward to celebrating the achievements of the thousands of people who will compete.”

Amit Kaushal, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding commented: “After the overwhelming success of the first XDubai Spartan Race to take place in Hatta last year, we are excited to be back for the second year. We take great pride in supporting sports enthusiasts from all fitness backgrounds to partake in this challenging, yet fun-filled competition. This year’s race marks the second event in Hatta to be hosted in partnership with XDubai, a wellness-focused collaboration that was created to encourage people from across the UAE to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle.

“Hatta’s terrain proved to be the ideal course for Spartans who are looking to challenge themselves as well as for those eager to explore what the city’s magical landscape has to offer. Last year, Dubai Holding was proud to be the biggest team present at the race, and we look forward to encouraging more colleagues to challenge themselves and turn up for this thrilling event in 2018.”

As the second Spartan event held in Hatta, athletes across all race lengths will take in sweeping views as they navigate both challenging natural and man-made obstacles that include mountain climbs, swims, rope climbs, wall climbs, and barbed wire, amongst many others.

While the race offers the same picturesque terrain as last year’s event, participants this year will be greeted by new developments from Meraas. Among them will be giant ‘Hatta’ letters located at an elevation of around 450 metres up in the Hajar Mountains; an adventure centre and coaching centre, which represent the new gateway to exploring the area and offers a plethora of activities; a series of idyllic mountain lodges, with 20 rooms, offering blissful views of the surrounding mountains and landscape in a tranquil retreat filled with opportunities to relax; as well as a first-of-its kind trailers hotel concept set amid the picturesque mountains on the banks of the charming Hatta dam.

According to Meraas, the projects are aimed at positioning Hatta as a National Park and a leading eco-tourism destination in line with the objectives of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan. In addition to tourism development projects, Meraas’ strategy aims to advance the social and economic development of the area and comprises increased efforts in conservation and forestation as well as plans to enrich wildlife, support farming, and preserve water resources.

With registration open now online through www.SpartanArabia.com, tickets start at 253 AED for adults and 146 AED for the Kids’ Race. All ticket prices include a finisher medal, finisher t-shirt, free professional photos, bananas at the finish line and of course, major bragging rights. With tickets to the event selling fast, organisers are encouraging all Spartans to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Hatta edition of the XDubai Spartan Race Presented by Dubai Holding will follow the XDubai Spartan Race Women’s Race which - open exclusively to women participants -will take place on 27 October at the Jebel Ali Race Course in Dubai. The race will also follow two other XDubai events that will be held during Dubai Fitness Challenge, the details of which will be released soon.