Prepare for the ultimate test of speed, strength, and national pride. The Spartan 3K Team Relay World Championship returns to the breathtaking Al Wathba dunes of Abu Dhabi on Sunday, November 22, 2026. This high-octane event brings the world's most elite athletes together for a blistering relay through the desert to crown the fastest nation on earth.

The Format: 3km total course. Each of the three team members must complete a 1km loop. Every loop is packed with 8–12 signature Spartan obstacles designed to test grip, agility, and power.

Teams must be co-ed, featuring a minimum of one athlete of each gender (e.g., 2 men/1 woman or 2 women/1 man). In a major push for national representation, all 3 athletes must hold the same nationality.

Elite Only: This specific championship heat is reserved for the Elite category to ensure the highest level of competition. No Qualification Required.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19
3:15 PM | Festival, Merchandise, and Registration Opens
4:15 PM | 5K Sprint Women's Only Night Race Filmed and Photographed
4:30 PM | Registration Closes
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM | 5K Sprint Women's Only Night Race Not Filmed or Photographed
9:00 PM | Festival and Merchandise Closes

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20
4:00 PM | Festival, Merchandise, and Registration Opens
4:00 PM | Packet Pickup Starts for Saturday 21K Beast
5:15 PM - 5:30 PM | 5K Sprint Night Race
8:00 PM | Registration Closes and 21K Beast Packet Pickup Ends
9:00 PM | Festival and Merchandise Closes

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21 - MORNING
6:00 AM | Festival, Merchandise, and Sprint Registration Opens
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | 5K Sprint Open Heats
7:45 AM | 5K Sprint Registration Closes
11:30 AM | Festival and Merchandise Closes

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21 - AFTERNOON
1:30 PM | Festival, Merchandise, and 21K Beast & Kids Registration Opens
2:15 PM | 21K Beast Elite World Championship Athlete Briefing
2:30 PM | 21K Beast Elite World Championship
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | 21K Beast Age Group World Championship
3:00 PM | Kids 3KM Competitive Heat
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | 21K Beast Open Heats
3:45 PM | 21K Beast Registration Closes
4:00 PM | Kids 1.5KM Open Heat
4:30 PM | Kids 1KM Open Heat
4:30 PM | Kids Registration Closes
5:00 PM | Kids 3KM Open Heat
5:00 PM | Packet Pickup Starts for Sunday 10K Super & 3K Team Relay World Championship (all teammates must be present)
6:00 PM | Kids 3KM Competitive Awards Ceremony
8:00 PM | Packet Pickup Ends for Sunday 10K Super & 3K Team Relay World Championship
9:00 PM | Parade of Nations, 21K Beast Elite Awards Ceremony, 21K Beast Age Group Awards Ceremony, Middle East Regional Championship Awards Ceremony, and UAE National Championship Awards Ceremony
10:00 PM | Post Race Party, Giveaways, and Live Music
12:00 AM | 21K Course Closes
1:00 AM | Festival and Merchandise Closes

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22
6:00 AM | Festival, Merchandise, and Elite 3K Team Relay Registration Opens
6:45 AM | Elite 3K Team Relay Registration Closes and 10K Super Registration Opens
6:45 AM | Mandatory Elite 3K Team Relay World Championship Technical Briefing @ start line
7:00 AM | Elite 3-Person Team Relay World Championship
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM | 10K Super Open Heats
8:15 AM | Elite 3K Team Relay World Championship Awards Ceremony
8:15 AM | 10K Super Registration Closes
5:30 PM | Festival and Merchandise Closes

How to Qualify as an Elite Racer:
Top 25 finish in any event of the same distance or Top 10 finish in any event of a different distance within the qualification period.

Open Invitation to All: Age Group and Open racers are invited to be part of the championship experience. There's no need for qualification in non-elite categories—just bring your Spartan spirit.

*The qualification period begins the day after the previous championship and continues until the weekend before the current year's event.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, craving adventure or simply want to soak up some rays and enjoy shimmering turquoise water, Abu Dhabi has you covered. Experience a one-of-a-kind long weekend full of off-course experiences infused with local Emirati culture, including the largest festival Spartan has ever created.

Al Wathba, this year’s venue, sits just 30 minutes driving from Abu Dhabi, making it convenient for local and international racers alike. Restaurants, a spa/pool and cultural excursions will be available for purchase at the race venue.

Racers staying in Abu Dhabi, one of the safest cities in the world, will have the luxury of five-star hotel properties with world-class amenities. We recommend flying into Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and renting a car for the duration of your stay.

To learn more about Abu Dhabi, please visit visitabudhabi.ae

The best Elite and Age Group competitors who reach the podium in Abu Dhabi will be awarded during the awards ceremony. Top Elite athletes will also be eligible for cash prize money, with equal amounts awarded to the Elite Men and Elite Women.

Beast World Championships:
Total purse: $70,000 - 1st place: $18,000, 2nd place: $9,000, 3rd place: $5,000, 4th place: $2,000, and 5th place: $1,000.

Team Relay World Championships:
Total purse: $10,000 - 1st place: $3,000, 2nd place: $2,000, and 3rd place: $1,000. The above prize amounts are awarded to the teams as a whole, not to individual members.