With just one month to go until its maiden event, new obstacle course racing (OCR) event, Arabian Warrior, has confirmed that world champions Jesse De Heer and Stijn Lagrand will be competing. Meanwhile, all participants will receive recycled plastic medals as part of the recently created event brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Arabian Warrior hosts its first event at Dubai Island by Nakheel in the UAE on Saturday October 26th, the first of a series of events set to take place across the Middle East during the 2024-25 season.
The elite field will be strengthened by the addition of Dutchmen Jesse De Heer and Stijn Lagrand, who have enjoyed success within the sport of OCR over the past few years, with both men claiming world titles in 2024.
De Heer became the obstacle course racing 12K world champion earlier this year, the latest in a long line of accomplishments that also includes winning back-to-back (2022 and 2023) European titles in the 3K distance.
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. 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 obstacles, such as the Tire Toss, a test of strength and coordination; Sub Zero, which culminates with competitors sliding into a freezing ice bath; and Don’t Look Down, billed as ‘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, which involves swinging from ring to ring.
Arabian Warrior finisher medals, made from recycled plastic, have been created by UAE-based Midori Network which specialises in transforming plastic waste collected locally into 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 upcoming season.
At each event, an initiative will also be implemented encouraging everybody involved to collect plastic bottles for recycling, while an 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 an 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 a mix of ages and fitness levels.
Prices start from 180 AED (5km) and 50 AED (Junior Warrior), with competitors and spectators alike able to enjoy a Fan Village, featuring a live DJ along with a selection of food and beverage outlets.
Arabian Warrior Dubai is sponsored by Spinneys, Nakheel and RAK Properties, while being supported by Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Fitness Challenge.
