DUBAI – Just over two months after hosting the Meraas Al Marmoom Ultramarathon – a gruelling 270km run that challenged the limits of human endurance – Al Marmoom will be back in the spotlight on Friday, February 22, testing participants to the limit as it hosts the region’s most exciting obstacle race, the 2019 Desert Warrior Challenge.

Supported by Dubai Sports Council, the Desert Warrior Challenge (DWC) will be back for its fifth run since 2014, promising new adrenaline pumping obstacles that should thrill even the most avid Desert Warriors.

There are two courses for the adults to choose from – a 5km or a 10km – and there will be a 1-2km course for the Junior Warriors. The Ultimate Warrior Pros – divided into male, female and team categories – and the Ultimate Warriors will take on the 10km course, with 20-plus obstacles like the Beast, Brain Freeze, Claustrophobia, Boot Camp and the Monster scattered across it.

Fearless Warriors will challenge a 5km course with 12-plus obstacles along it, while the Junior Warriors will have to overcome eight obstacles on their 1-2km course.

“Dubai is a city of challenges and the Desert Warrior Challenge is one of our oldest and most popular challenges,” said HE Saeed Hareb, the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council.

“From its start in 2014, the Desert Warrior Challenge has always created a great buzz in the community and now, as we move towards our goal of making Dubai one of the most physically active places in the world, we expect another spectacular show from Dubai’s fitness warriors.

“This year, the Challenge is taking place in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, a specially protected desert area that covers 10 per cent of Dubai’s land mass.

“The desert is part of our heritage and culture, and events like this help showcase the unexplored side of Dubai. We want people to experience the scenic beauty of our deserts, specifically the magnificent conservation reserve of Al Marmoom.”

Talking about the race, DWC Managing Director Troy Gilham added: “The obstacles are both mentally and physically challenging, and intended to push you well and truly out of your comfort zone.

“This event sees the return of all our warriors’ absolute favourite obstacles, including crowd-pleasers 1/4 Pipe and The Beast. But there will also be some exciting new, gut-wrenchingly thrilling obstacles designed to test the most seasoned warrior.”