Sergei Perelygin and Lindsay Webster crowned winners of 2022 Spartan World Championships in Abu Dhabi

Sergei Perelygin and Lindsay Webster were crowned Spartan World Champions after conquering an all new course in Al Wathba desert to beat the best obstacle course racing athletes from across the globe, organised in partership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Spartan – the world’s leading endurance sports and extreme wellness brand.

Taking place at Al Wathba Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a host of international athletes from more than 80 countries battled it out for the men and women’s individual World Championship Super vying for more than $125,000 in prize money - only the second time the event has been held outside of the United States of America.

The first-day of the two-day festival welcomed fierce competition with elite athletes from both categories each conquering a number of challenging obstacles, including A-Frame Cargo, Atlas Carry and Ape Hanger.

Sergei Perelygin, who settled for an impressive second place in last year’s race, won the Men’s Elite 2022 World Championship title following completion of the 10km race in a time of 1 hour 3 minutes and 47 seconds. Perelygin beat his fellow rival Ryan Atkins by  0.12 of a second, who achieved a time of 1 hour 3 minutes and 59 seconds.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a Spartan World Champion since I first began competing back in 2015,” said Perelygin. “I’m very happy as it’s only my second world championship, last year was very hard to compete against Ryan Atkins, he pushed me as much as I pushed him. Last year he got the finish but this year it was my turn. If you believe in your dreams, it can happen .”

The women’s category saw Canadian Lindsay Webster take home the victory with a time of 1 hour 12 mintues and 49 seconds to claim her fourth Spartan World Championship title, whilst Slovakian and European Spartan Champion, Ezster Hortobàgyiovà finished in second place with a time of 1 hour 14 minutes  and 52 seconds.

“This year’s race felt a lot shorter, I thought the terrain was going to be equally as tough but it was sufficiently easier,” said Webster. I feel relieved, it’s been a big lead up to this event so it felt really good to get out there. We’re excited to be back in Abu Dhabi, they completely spoil athletes here and take really great care of you.”

Suhail Abdulla Alareefi, Executive Director of the event sector –  Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: "It’s the second year Abu Dhabi has held the Spartan World Championship and we’re extremely proud of the large and diverse participation from both men and women, it’s been a tremendous turnout. Hosting such an established brand within in the region further cements our efforts to encourage the community to get fit and take part in activities like Spartan.” 

“Being back in Abu Dhabi for this year’s Spartan World Championship and be among this ever-growing community is tremendously exciting,” said Joe De Sena, CEO & Founder – Spartan. “The facility and course are absolutely world-class and the first day of racing has been phenomenal, we looking forward to a great second day.”

Suhail Abdulla Alareefi, Executive Director of the event sector of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Joe De Sena, CEO and founder of Spartan presented the winners and runners up from each category with their awards.

In addition to the two elite races, the event also showcased the Age Group World Championship with winners crowned across ten aged categories (ages 14 – 60+). Elsewhere, participants and spectators enjoyed an array of on-site activities including food trucks as well as collaborations with Myzone, which enabled race-goers the chance to pick up their own heart rate monitor to analyse heart rate throughout the weekend.

The second day of racing will see the Team World Championship Super, Open Team Super, Open Super, Open Sprint, and Kids Open all take place with more winners to be crowned. For further information about the event, please visit: https://race.spartan.com/en/race/championships/world.