Power Couple Crowned: Ryan Atkins, Lindsay Webster Win 2021 Spartan World Championship in Abu Dhabi

December 6, 2021

France Takes Team Title in the Liwa Desert as Spartan Holds Worlds Outside United States for First Time

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (December 6, 2021)/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Canadian power couple Ryan Atkins and Lindsay Webster have proven themselves to be the fastest — and toughest — obstacle course racers alive, taking home the elite Beast titles at the 2021 Spartan World Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, held its marquee World Championship outside the United States for the first time, with a slate of races December 3 to 5 in the challenging terrain of the Liwa Desert. The competition, originally scheduled for December 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was hosted by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).

Atkins and Webster won the elite Beast races — 30 obstacles along a 21-kilometer course — considered to be the sport’s signature test of athleticism and endurance.

Atkins, a Canadian, finished in 2:13:40 to take the men’s Beast World Championship and $20,000 in prize money. Webster, also Canadian, finished in 2:38:54 to win the women’s Beast World Championship and $20,000.

The Quebec-based Atkins and Webster, who are married, are considered among the greatest Spartan athletes of all time. It’s the first World Championship title for Atkins, whose resume also includes two Spartan Ultra World Championships (2018 and 2019). The 2021 U.S. National Series winner, Webster earned her third World Championship title and sixth World Championship podium appearance.

“This World Championship was no joke. All of our Spartans came to compete in the most breathtaking, challenging Spartan competitions ever,” said Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan. “Congratulations not only to our winners, but to all our athletes who conquered the dunes in the world’s largest desert. I can honestly say, thanks to the hospitality of ADSC, the support of our partners, and the dedication of our athletes, we’ve raised the bar for the next World Championship. And that’s what it’s all about — pushing ourselves to the limit and seeing what we’re made of.”

Other high points of the 2021 Spartan World Championship weekend:

• France edged out Russia and Canada in 1:09:39 to win the Super 10K, 25-obstacle World Championship Team race. (Results and times below.)
• The Age Group Beast World Championships, a nighttime Super 10K, the extreme 60-hour Agoge, a Spartan Kids Race, and more. For highlights, visit Spartan and Spartan Race on Instagram.

The 2021 Spartan World Championship will be broadcast at a later date on Outside TV.

About Spartan

Spartan is a global experiential sport and wellness brand with a 10 million+ strong community. We create transformational experiences, products, and content to help people, companies and teams tear down boundaries and expand what they believe to be possible. Spartan combines large scale global events with a vibrant digital content and community platform. With more than 250 events across more than 40 countries on six continents, Spartan is the world’s leading extreme wellness and endurance brand. Visit spartan.com for more information and registration.

Media Contact
Chris Colton, 845-642-0762, ccolton@martingroupmarketing.com