International fitness racing brand DEKA has announced its expansion into the UAE, with a debut event scheduled for March 28, 2026, at Skydive Dubai.
Created by the founders of Spartan, the decathlon-style functional fitness racing format will be managed locally by the ITP Media Group team.
The UAE joins a growing international network for DEKA that includes established markets such as Australia, Canada, China, the UK, and the US. The expansion in the Middle East introduces a structured hybrid racing format designed to complement the region’s active training culture.
Unlike Spartan’s outdoor obstacle course races, DEKA provides year-round competition through gym-hosted DEKA STRONG and DEKA MILE events, alongside larger-scale DEKA FIT races. The format is designed to be measurable and repeatable, allowing athletes to track their progress via a standardised ‘DEKA Mark’ score.
The inaugural event at Skydive Dubai will feature the DEKA FIT format. Participants will tackle 10 functional fitness zones, with each zone preceded by a 500m run, totalling 5km of running. The 10 fitness zones include:
- 30 Weighted Alternating Reverse Lunges
- 500m Row
- 20 Box Jump or Step-up Overs
- 25 Med Ball Sit-up Throws
- 500m SkiErg
- 100m Farmer’s Carry
- 25 Calorie Air Bike
- 20 Dead Ball Wall-Overs
- 100m Tank Sled Push/Pull
- 20 Weighted Burpees
Athletes can compete individually or in two-person teams. A cash prize pot will be available for top performers in the Elite categories.
Emily leRoux, Vice-President of DEKA International, said “Bringing DEKA to the UAE marks an important phase in our international expansion and reflects the maturity of the region’s fitness market.
“The UAE has a highly engaged training community, and DEKA provides a clear, structured way for athletes of all levels to test their fitness in a competitive but inclusive environment.”
Isla Watt, Deputy Managing Director at ITP Media Group, added “Training culture in the UAE has evolved significantly, with more people seeking meaningful ways to test their progress beyond the gym floor. DEKA meets that demand. Its standardised formats, integration within local gyms and structured event model allow us to grow participation steadily.”
Skydive Dubai, located overlooking Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Harbour, was selected as the venue partner due to its standing as a high-performance sports destination.
DEKA’s affiliate model currently supports a network of over 1,000 gyms worldwide. By integrating DEKA classes and weekend events into local programming, the brand aims to build a sustainable competition platform throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
