SEE IT: Joe De Sena Visits Abu Dhabi Ahead of the World Championship
As Spartan prepares for the 2021 Spartan World Championship in the Liwa Desert outside of Abu Dhabi, Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena visited the region to make final preparations. While there, he toured the race site and took in the rich culture of Abu Dhabi.
“After touring the largest desert in the world, which is where this year’s event will take place, I can honestly say that this will be the most majestic and challenging World Championship in Spartan history,” De Sena said. “It’s just awesome. Words can’t even describe it."
The Championship, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will be held outside of the United States for the first time in the company's history, and it will take place on Dec. 3-5.
Related: The First Night Super Is Coming. This Is How the Pros Prepare for It.
“I had the opportunity to see the rich culture in Abu Dhabi: the Louvre, the Grand Mosque, and all of the incredible buildings that have really just been built in the last 50 years,” he said. “I also saw Qasr AlHosn, the oldest standing structure that’s more than 200 years old. That was truly a special experience."
'I've Really Never Seen Anything Like This Before'
De Sena has traveled all over the world, and yet he couldn't contain his excitement over the sheer beauty of the region and its spectacular landmarks. The visit was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Whether it’s a jungle, the barons of Mongolia, or in this case the largest desert in the world, I love visiting amazing places that are rich in history and culture, and I’ve really never seen anything like this before," he said. "The Spartan community is in for an unbelievable experience when they come to race this December.”
The main event of the weekend, the Elite Spartan World Championship, will take place on Friday, Dec. 3. It's a half-marathon Spartan Beast, which features a mix of high-speed running, leg-burning steep climbs, and breathtaking sceneries. Racers will have to conquer more than 30 signature Spartan obstacles, including the Spear Throw, the Barbed Wire Crawl, the Helix, and the Rope Climb.
Related: Conquer the Rope Climb: The Obstacle You Love to Hate
In addition to the Elite Spartan World Championship, the weekend features the Spartan Team World Championship and opportunities for racers of all skill levels. Open racers can choose from a 21k Beast; a 10k, 25-obstacle Night Super; and 50k and half-marathon Spartan Trail running events, along with Spartan Kids events.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Festival Experience
Off the course, attendees will experience a one-of-a-kind weekend infused with local Emirati culture, including the biggest festival Spartan has ever created. The epic event will include desert and city activities featuring traditional Emirati food, cultural shows, extreme dune rides, yoga classes, a Parade of Nations, closing fireworks, and more. It also coincides with the golden jubilee celebration of UAE National Day.
Travel packages featuring airfare, transportation, and lodging options — from camping to luxury accommodations — are available now through Spartan’s travel partner, Nirvana.
For more information, and to register for the 2021 Spartan World Championship, click here.
