Busting stereotypes one obstacle at a time - Spartan Arabia
Manama : The Kingdom is packed with enthusiasm as one of the world’s most challenging obstacle race comes to town.
The word ‘Sparta’ refers to showing indifference to comfort and luxury and that is exactly what Bahrain’s second Spartan Race stands for. With fire, mud and barbed wire, the race aims to revolutionize athletic challenges on the island and inspire people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
“Spartan Arabia is here to bust all those ‘rich and lazy’ stereotypes associated with the Arab world. The large number of GCC nationals participating in Bahrain’s Spartan Race only prove how the fitness scene in these regions is changing for the good,” said an organiser Salman Mahmoud Bukhari.
Emphasizing on the importance of such events, he added: “Races like the Spartan are giving the region motivation. Adults and children living in the Kingdom are constantly in search of something more exciting, something that breaks the monotony of their day-day activities in the Gulf and here comes the Spartan!”
Involving three different categories the Spartan Super (13+ km and 25+ obstacles), Spartan Sprint (5+ km and 20 obstacles) and Spartan Kids (up to 1.5 km and 7-14 obstacles) with varying levels of difficulty, the race requires proper training.
Spartan Bahrain’s trainers have been organising pre-event workouts every Friday at the Najma Club. Unlike many other athletic training drills, these sessions give participants a chance to exercise outdoors, without fancy gym equipment.
“Getting muddy, making friends, laughing, and getting motivated to lead a healthy and fit lifestyle, all without judgment – that is what these sessions are about. It offers all of us a challenging time, and leaves us feeling really proud of ourselves,” said a participant and health and fitness fanatic Jacque George Pillay. Jacque who works within the sales department for Technogym while being an active sportsman and adventurer thinks such events not only contribute to an individual’s health but promote a sense of togetherness and well-being within a country.
He said: “This is the first time I am running the race but it has made me dedicate even more time to my fitness by running three-four times a week, playing different sports and mingling with so many like-minded people. It brings an entire nation together in celebration of something so positive.”
With only two weeks remaining for the race, over 5000 eager participants have already signed up and organisers are expecting many more. The race is to be held at the Endurance Village in Sakhir on 14th of April. Interested participants can sign up at Spartanarabia.com.
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