Jesse de Heer and Stijn Lagrand will compete in the highly anticipated event on October 26th
The homegrown obstacle course racing brand has also announced some of the sustainability measures in place for its events
Prices start from 180 AED (5km) and 50 AED (Junior Warrior)
Thursday September 26th, 2024 – Dubai, UAE: With just one month to go until its maiden event,Arabian Warrior today announces world champions Jesse de Heer and Stijn Lagrand are confirmed to compete, while participants will walk away with recycled plastic medals given the recently created OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Having launched last month, Arabian Warrior hosts its first event at Dubai Island by Nakheel on Saturday October 26th, the first of multiple challenges set to take place across the Middle East during the 2024/25 season.
The field will be strengthened by the addition of Dutchmen De Heer and Lagrand, who have enjoyed incredible success within the sport over the past few years, with both men claiming world titles during 2024.
De Heer became the obstacle course racing 12k world champion earlier this year, the latest in a long line of accomplishments which also includes winning back-to-back (2022 and 2023) European titles in the 3k.
Lagrand boasts equally impressive credentials, with the 22-year-old becoming the Short Distance obstacle course racing world champion, and a three-time European champion (Short Distance, Standard Distance, Team) this year.
The Middle East has previously proven a happy hunting ground for both men, who were part of a team which won gold at February’s Tough Mudder Infinity event in AlUla, KSA.
De Heer said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking event and to compete alongside my fellow world champion, Stijn Lagrand, at the inaugural Arabian Warrior! I’m really looking forward to meeting the incredible obstacle racing community in the Middle East—your passion for the sport, reflected in the amazing events held here, is truly inspiring. I’m also excited to experience Arabian Warrior’s unique take on obstacle racing and tackle the new obstacles and challenges they are introducing!”
Lagrand added: “I’m really looking forward to competing at Arabian Warrior. It will be a race with a special venue; whereas we normally race surrounded in nature, now we will see the highest tower of the world while competing!
“Racing and staying in the Middle East has opened my eyes to a world of history and culture that is largely new to me, it will be a pleasure to experience more of it. I hope I can continue the streak of good fortune of racing on the Arabian Peninsula, and finish in first place once again!
“I am fresh out of the World Championships in Costa Rica, with a gold and two silver medals to illustrate my form. I felt good, both mentally and physically, after this major event. This meant I picked up training relatively fast, and still feel very fit! I am doing a final solid training block leading up to the Arabian Warrior event, with the aim of taking the top spot on the podium!”
In order to achieve further success in Dubai, both De Heer and Lagrand, along with all other competitors, will need to overcome a host of tricky new obstacles, such as the Tire Toss, a true test of strength and coordination, Sub Zero, which culminates with competitors sliding into a freezing ice bath and Don’t Look Down, 12 feet of vertical terror.
Other obstacles awaiting participants this season include Jebel Arabia, which stands at over six metres, Ankle Breaker, where competitors will slide into a muddy pool and the Hanging Garden of Arabia, on which swinging from ring to ring is the only way to succeed.
Arabian Warrior will also be implementing a number of eco-friendly measures which align with its focus on sustainability. One of which will see competitors, on completion of the challenge, walk away with individual medals made from recycled plastic, created by UAE-based Midori Network who specialise in transforming plastic waste collected locally into valuable products such as furniture, gifts and home accessories.
Roughly 500kg of plastic waste was diverted from landfills to be used in the creation of the Arabian Warrior medals, which will be given out at each event throughout the season.
At each event, an initiative will be implemented encouraging everybody involved to collect plastic bottles for recycling, while a huge effort will be in place to minimise negative environmental impact and restore venues to their natural state.
Arabian Warrior launched in August with the aim of establishing a global OCR brand portfolio centred in the Middle East, while making a long-term commitment to the growth of the sport.
At each event, participants can select from 5km (age 13+), 10km (age 14+), 20km (age 16+), 50km (age 18+) and Junior Warrior (1.6km, age 5-12) race options, with categories to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Prices start from 180 AED (5km) and 50 AED (Junior Warrior), with competitors and spectators alike able to enjoy a hugely entertaining Fan Village, featuring a live DJ along with a vast selection of F&B outlets.
Arabian Warrior Dubai is sponsored by Spinneys, Nakheel and RAK Properties, while being supported by Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Fitness Challenge.
To join the tribe and be a part of the Arabian Warrior community, sign up for free at arabianwarrior.me to become a member and secure a 10 percent lifetime discount on event tickets, along with a host of additional benefits.
