Dubai: With just a month to go, Arabian Warrior has announced that world champions Jesse de Heer and Stijn Lagrand will compete in its debut obstacle course race on October 26 at Dubai Island by Nakheel. Staying true to its sustainability mission, the new OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) brand will award recycled plastic medals to participants.
World Champions ready to battle
Dutch athletes Jesse de Heer and Stijn Lagrand, both fresh off world championship wins in 2024, will add star power to the race. De Heer, reigning 12k OCR world champion and two-time European 3k titleholder, will line up alongside Lagrand, the 22-year-old Short Distance world champion and triple European titleholder this year.
“I’m excited to compete in this historic event and meet the passionate OCR community in the Middle East,” said De Heer. “Arabian Warrior’s unique course will be a real test, and I’m ready to take on the new challenges!”
Image credit: Supplied
Lagrand shared his enthusiasm: “Competing with the world’s tallest tower in the background will be an unforgettable experience. I’m in great shape after a successful season, and I’m aiming for the top of the podium again.”
New obstacles await competitors
Participants, including De Heer and Lagrand, will face a series of never-before-seen obstacles. The course will feature the strength-testing Tire Toss, the icy plunge of Sub Zero, and the nerve-wracking Don’t Look Down, a 12-foot vertical climb.
Other challenges include the towering 6-meter-high Jebel Arabia and the agility-demanding Hanging Garden of Arabia, where participants will swing from ring to ring.
A green approach to racing
Arabian Warrior’s commitment to sustainability is clear, with competitors receiving medals made from recycled plastic, created by UAE-based Midori Network. By using around 500kg of recycled plastic waste, the brand is turning environmental consciousness into action.
The initiative extends beyond medals: participants and spectators will be encouraged to collect plastic bottles for recycling, and the event will minimize its environmental footprint by restoring venues to their natural state post-race.
A season of OCR challenges across the Middle East
Launched in August, Arabian Warrior aims to build a global OCR presence rooted in the Middle East. Its inaugural race in Dubai kicks off the 2024/25 season, with more events planned across the region. Participants can choose from race distances ranging from the Junior Warrior 1.6km course to the intense 50km challenge.
With prices starting at 180 dirhams for the 5km race and 50 d irhams for the Junior Warrior event, competitors and spectators can enjoy a vibrant Fan Village, complete with a live DJ and diverse food and drink options.
Supported by Spinneys, Nakheel, RAK Properties, Dubai Sports Council, and Dubai Fitness Challenge, Arabian Warrior promises to bring excitement, athleticism, and eco-friendly practices to obstacle course racing in the Middle East.