Mleiha Concludes Workout Sessions in Preparation for the Spartan Race in Sharjah

• The race will take place on November 18 with the participation of hundreds of athletes and adventurers 
• Workout sessions were conducted on Fridays over six weeks at The Flag Island

Sharjah, November 13, 2016:  Mleiha Archeological and Eco-Tourism has concluded a series of Friday workout sessions taking place over the past six weeks at The Flag Island, Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah. The sessions had been specially organised to promote the forthcoming Spartan Race, which is being held on November 18 at Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism.

The workout programme was conducted to introduce UAE residents and visitors to the conditions of the Spartan Race, which is regarded as one of the toughest in the world. The exercises focused on acquainting them with the physical capabilities needed as a competitor and familiarising them with the challenges that make up the rigorous contest. A platform was made available during the hour-long activities for those wishing participate in the race to register. 

Organised by Spartan Race Company in collaboration with Mleiha Archeological and Eco-Tourism, the Spartan Race in Mleiha is being sponsored by XDubai, Etisalat, Dubai Sports Council and Reebok International Ltd. The competition is expected to draw hundreds of sportsmen, athletes, adventure lovers and families from the UAE and across the world with its opportunity to test participants’ physical prowess through running climbing and crawling across challenging terrain.

Mahmoud Rashid Al Suwaidi, Manager of Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism, said: “There are only a few days left before the start of the Spartan Race and by concluding the sixth promotional event of workouts at The Flag Island, we have completed all the preparations for the big event. We were delighted with the turnout at each of the sessions, with hundreds of people enjoying taking part."

“In addition to helping the participants with the programme’s series of physical exercises, the warm-up trainings were designed to highlight the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle as with its athletic and competitive nature, the participants will develop new skills in the love of challenge and achievements.” he added.

He continued: “Organising the Spartan Race in Mleiha and the workout sessions at The Flag Island reflects Sharjah’s prestigious stature with sports events, which attract widespread attention locally, regionally and internationally. This Spartan Race programme has shone a light onto both the emirate of Sharjah and Mleiha Archaeological and Ecotourism and supports our ongoing efforts to promote both Sharjah and Mleiha on the global stage."
The workout sessions at The Flag Island took place from 9-10 a.m. every Friday from 7 October  to 11 November . Professional coaches and qualified supervisors conducted the training, encouraging people to participate in the Spartan Race and explaining to them the general race rules and types of challenges it involves.

The Spartan Race in Mleiha includes three main categories, including the ‘Spartan Beast,’ which will be held for the first time in the Gulf region. Formulated for highly experienced and accomplished athletes and adventurers, the Spartan Beast consists of a challenging 20 km run that is littered with more than 30 obstacles. It is widely judged as the longest and most difficult race for all athletes.

The Spartan Race also features the ‘Spartan Sprint’ - a 5km obstacle course for keen beginners and amateur athletes who need to tackle 20 obstacles and the ‘Spartan Junior,’ a 1.5km run, for children aged 4-14 years of age.

The Spartan Race was first held in 2007 in the USA and was franchised to 14 countries, including Canada, South Korea, Australia, the UAE, Bahrain and a number of European countries. The challenge series includes the ‘Spartan Sprint,’ the ‘Super Spartan,’ the ‘Spartan Beast’ and the ‘Ultra Beast.’ The Spartan Race’ activities aim to push competitors to their limits, with the obstacles on each course tailored for the level of participant. 
Online registration for the Spartan Race in Mleiha is still open for all those who want to participate through the website: www.spartanarabia.com.