The Dubai World Obstacle Championship, sanctioned by World Obstacle, brings together elite national teams (qualified by World Obstacle member federations) and open-category participants in a premier fitness event with distances and categories for everyone.

Held annually in Dubai, this dynamic event challenges participants of all backgrounds with a range of innovative and demanding obstacles, testing endurance, strength, and resilience. The Championship fosters a supportive community that values unity, perseverance, and personal growth. It highlights Dubai as a leading destination for competitive sports, promoting health and fitness as core to its vibrant lifestyle, and encourages participants to overcome both physical and mental obstacles as they pursue their best selves.

• What is the Dubai World Obstacle Championship?

  The DWOCis a premier obstacle course racing event from December 5–8, 2024, in Dubai.
  Hosted by Dubai Police and sanctioned by World Obstacle, it features certified courses of 100M,
  1500M, 2500M, and 5000M, with a prize pool of 500,000 AED. Participants from around the world,
  both Elite and Age Group, will test their skills on challenging courses designed for all levels.

• Where are the events held?

  The DWOCtakes place across two venues:
  1. Dubai Police Officers’ Club Stadium (Venue 1)– hosting the 100M events.
  2. Dubai Design District (d3) (Venue 2)– hosting cross-country events, including
  2500M and 5000M races.
  The venues are about 10–20 minutes apart. Plan travel accordingly if participating in events at
  both locations.

• Are there options for parking and transportation between venues?

  Free parking is available at both venues. No shuttles are provided between venues, so
  participants are encouraged to arrange their own transport if racing at both locations.

• What are the registration and bib pickup requirements?

  Registration and bib pickup must be completed at least one hour before your assigned race time.

• How do I find my race number?

  Race numbers are assigned on-site during race day registration. Please arrive at least one hour
  before your race.

• When and where is the Race Pack Collection?

  Race Pack Collection takes place on race day at the entry of each venue. Bring your Emirates ID
  for verification. You may collect a friend’s race pack by presenting their Emirates ID copy.

• What to do at the Race Pack Collection?

  Show your Emirates ID at the Registration area to receive your race number and pack.

• What does the race pack include?

  Each race pack contains:
  • Labeled Envelope with essential race information.
  • RaceNumberHeadband
  • Timing Chip
  • Official Race T-Shirt (to be worn on race day).
  • Drawstring Bag
  • BagDropVoucher
  • Wristband with Starting Time and Event Category (required for starting corral entry).
  • Setof3Competition Wristbands (used in the obstacle completion system).
  • GoodyBag
  • Accessto Live Results
  • Finisher’s Medal (awarded to those who complete their race distance).
  • Cap,Water Bottle, Head Band, Additional Wrist Band

• When is the T-Shirt Collection?

  T-shirts are included in your race pack and collected on the event day. Wearing your race shirt on
  race day is encouraged.

• Can I change my race category or registration details after signing up?

  Changes to race category or registration details may be possible up to one week before the
  event. Contact DWOC event support for assistance.

• What is the dress code or recommended attire for participants?

  Wear athletic attire suitable for obstacle racing, including supportive footwear for sand and rugged
  terrain. Federation Elite Athletes will receive a custom-printed shirt with their race number, country,
  and name, provided by lululemon. Elite participants representing their country are required to wear
  this National Team Jersey.

• What happens if I fail an obstacle?

  DWOC employs a 3-band system for obstacle completion:
  • 3Bands: Each participant starts with three bands and loses one band per obstacle failure.
  • Retries Allowed: Participants are allowed to retry obstacles to avoid losing a band.
  However, if they ultimately cannot complete the obstacle, a band will be removed.
  • Finishing Requirements: Complete the race with one of the following:
  • All3bandsintact (no penalty),
  • 2bandsand1penalty loop, or
  • 1bandand2penalty loops.
  • Penalty Loop: Located just before the finish line.
  • All Bands Lost: Participants will be marked as “Did Not Complete” (DNC) if all bands are
  lost.

• Are there practice heats for the 100M event?

  Yes, free practice heats are available for the 100M course, allowing participants to familiarize
  themselves with the course. Advancement to Quarterfinals, Semifinals, or Finals requires
  qualification through initial heats. Monitor the leaderboard for updates.

• Will I be assigned a race time for the 100M?

  Yes, assigned times and heats are provided to ensure smooth scheduling.

• How many obstacles are in each course?

  Each race course features a set number of obstacles:
  • 100M:12obstacles
  • 1500M: 10 obstacles
  • 2500M: 20 obstacles
  • 5000M: 30 obstacles

• What is the terrain like on the cross-country courses (1500m, 2500m, 5000m)?

  The terrain is sandy and moderately deep, providing a challenging environment for participants.

• Can I bring my own equipment for the obstacle course?

  Personal gear such as gloves, hydration packs, and non-restrictive attire is allowed, but obstacles
  may not be modified. Elite participants should check with their National Federation for specific
  equipment rules.

• What are the Race Categories?

  • Participation Encouraged: Participants are encouraged to enter multiple race distances.
  • National Team Race: Exclusive to National Federation participants in a 3-person team
  format (all-male or all-female teams). Federations may enter multiple teams, and a UAE
  National ID is required for each participant to compete.
  • Government-Private Team Race: Open to government and private entities in a 4-person
  team format (all-male or all-female teams). Employment ID verification, including UAE National
  ID, is required.

• What division should I race in?

  • Elite Participants: Compete for cash prizes but are not eligible for Age Group awards.
  • OpenCategory Participants: Register for morning or afternoon time blocks and may
  compete for Age Group awards, with exact heat times assigned at bib pickup. Check
  leaderboards during race days for eligibility.

• What are the Age Group Awards?

  The top 3 male and female participants in each Age Group for non-Elite events receive awards.
  Participants must check leaderboards and attend Sunday’s awards ceremony at the Stadium venue
  to collect their awards in person.

• What are the age groups and competitive categories for each race distance?

  Age groups and competitive categories for each distance are based on World Obstacle standards. Here’s the breakdown:
  
  5000M Race Categories
  1. Elite Individual (16+ years, Male & Female)
  2. Elite National Team (16+ years, National Team of 3, Male & Female)
  3. Government-Private Team (16+ years, Entity Team of 4, Male & Female)
  4. Age Group/Open (16+ years, Male & Female):
  • Junior: 16-17, 18-19
  • Senior: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39
  • Masters: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59
  • Veteran: 60+, increasing by age to the oldest competitor
  2500M Race Categories
  1. Elite Individual (16+ years, Male & Female)
  2. Age Group/Open (16+ years, Male & Female):
  • Junior: 16-17, 18-19
  • Senior: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39
  • Masters: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59
  • Veteran: 60+, increasing by age to the oldest competitor
  1500M Race Categories
  1. Youth Elite (12-15 years only, Male & Female)
  2. Age Group/Open (8-18 years, Male & Female):
  • Youth: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
  • Junior: 16-17, 18
  100M Race Categories
  1.

• What is the eligibility for Elite and Age Group awards?

  Elite category participants are not eligible for Age Group awards, and Age Group
  participants are not eligible for Elite awards.
  • Elite participants compete for cash prizes specific to the Elite category.
  • AgeGroupparticipants compete within their respective age divisions for top placement and
  awards but are ineligible for Elite awards.
  Participants must choose the category that best aligns with their goals, as eligibility for awards
  does not cross over between Elite and Age Group categories.

• Are the Elite races gated?

  Yes, Elite races are gated, meaning that only qualified participants can enter:
  • Eligibility: Elite races are open to any participants aged 18+, but participants are
  encouraged to reach out to their National Federation to compete for their country.
  • National Team Requirements: For the 5000M Elite Team event, only official National
  Federation-selected teams are eligible, and all team members must be 18+.
  This gating ensures that Elite races maintain high competitive standards, with athletes
  representing their countries in officially selected teams.

• What are the prize categories?

  Prizes are awarded as follows:
  • Elite Awards: Cash prizes for the top three male and female Elite participants in each
  distance.
  • AgeGroupAwards: Awards for the top three male and female participants in each age
  group for non-Elite events.
  • TeamAwards: Awards for the top three teams in both the National Team Race and
  Government-Private Team Race.
  Note: Award winners must attend the Sunday ceremony to receive prizes.

• What is the minimum age requirement for participation?

  Minimum age varies by event category. Youth and Junior divisions have specific age brackets,
  while Elite categories may allow under-18 participants with National Federation and FISO approval.

• What is the Race Day Program & Timings?

  The full race schedule is available in the Downloads section of the registration page on the
  official DWOC website and is subject to change. Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your start
  time. Participants arriving over 15 minutes late will not be allowed to race.

• Are there food and drink options available on-site?

  Yes, food vendors and hydration stations are at both venues. Personal water bottles are allowed,
  and hydration stations are placed along each course.

• What safety measures are in place?

  DWOChascomprehensive safety protocols, including on-site medical support and first aid
  stations at each venue, staffed with medical personnel to assist as needed.

• What happens if weather conditions change?

  The event proceeds in most weather conditions, but extreme weather (e.g., sandstorms) may
  prompt contingency plans, including possible rescheduling. Updates will be communicated to
  participants.

• Is there a lost and found service?

  Yes, lost and found stations will be set up at both venues. Report lost items or inquire at the
  designated station.

• What are the support stations, and where are they placed?

  Water stations are available throughout each course, with hydration at both the starting area and
  finish line.

• Where can I find my race results?

  Results are available by scanning QR codes in the Race Village. Final standings for Elite and Age
  Group categories will be confirmed by Sunday’s awards ceremony. Live tracking and updates will be
  accessible on the official DWOC website and app.

• Where can I find the Race Photos?

  Race photos will be accessible online 24 hours after the race by clicking the CAMERA icon on
  your results page. Use the bib or selfie search option. Photos are not guaranteed and are not
  included in the race fee.

• Are there rules or restrictions for filming and photography?

  Participants and spectators are welcome to use personal cameras and phones. However,
  professional filming and drone use may be restricted. For details on media policies, please check the
  DWOC website.

• Any additional information participants should know about?

  For complete event details, including rules, course maps, and the race schedule, visit the Event
  Downloads section on Premier Online or the DWOC website www.dubaiworldobstacle.com. Be sure
  to regularly check for updates to stay informed about event-specific guidelines.

• What is the policy on refunds and cancellations?

  Refunds are not available once entries close or the event is sold out. This policy applies
  regardless of personal circumstances, including illness or travel restrictions. Unclaimed race packs
  will be forfeited.