🔥Evolution of OCR & HYROX in the Middle East: 🚨 A Conversation with Rayyan Yacob Agha, Spartan Race MENA Managing Partner & HYROX Middle East

The Race Space Podcast

The Race Space + Rayyan Yacob Agha

Guest: Rayyan Yacob Agha

Host: RA George

Date: 06th Nov, Time: 09:00

Contact Info for Rayyan: [e-mail] LinkedIn Profile: https://tinyurl.com/24mwuybb

Spartan Arabia

Instagram @spartanarabia https://tinyurl.com/y28wpd6b

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/557txbm4

EVENT REGISTRATION

Hatta Trifecta & Kids, HH4HR & Trail - 25 & 26 Nov

Trifecta Pass Registration Link here https://tinyurl.com/mpaa2b4y

Spartan Hatta Community Work Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/4www5kre

Info about Spartan World Championship via Hatta here https://tinyurl.com/mp4ty9nh

Khorfakkan Spartan Super & Sprint + Kids Race Registration Link : https://tinyurl.com/ycmmnaz9

Hatta Volunteer Link: https://tinyurl.com/mry6ycsx

Official YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/5dz9snh3

Official TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p95decv

Official X (Twitter) @SpartanArabia https://tinyurl.com/53d299pj

HYROX

Instagram: @HyroxME https://tinyurl.com/4m3kd3w4

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2p9ar5ym

Book Recommendation: Peter Theil book: Zero to One

Summary of the conversation

• Rayyan's daily routine and the significance of his past business partners in the establishment of Spartan Arabia in the Middle East.
• Emphasis on teamwork as a driving force behind the success of Spartan Arabia.
• Rayyan's inspiration stemmed from an injury in 2007, leading to his journey in hiking ultra marathons and triathlons.
• Contacting Spartan CEO and Founder, Joe De Sena, in the early stages around 2011-2012.
• Choosing the iconic Jebel Ali Racecourse location for the first Spartan Race event in Dubai.
• Meeting the Royal Family and integrating the brand "X Dubai" into Spartan Arabia.
• The importance of happy and motivated employees, emphasizing the concept of a "super team."
• Comparison of the first Spartan Race event in Jebel Ali with current OCR events.
• Constant emphasis on the "Customer Journey" when organizing events.
• Highlighting the importance of showcasing different Middle Eastern locations.
• Challenges faced during the first event in Hatta, with a focus on safety.
• Rayyan's thoughts on incorporating smaller distances into Spartan Race events.
• The potential of a Spartan Stadion event in the UAE and discussing other Spartan Stadion events.
• Insights on the various types of Hurricane Heat events.
• Possibility of Spartan Arabia participating in the Spartan Death Race.
• Explaining the key differences and similarities between regional events and Middle East and World Championship events.
• Discussing the time and challenges involved in organizing Spartan Races.
• Spartan Trail's role within Spartan Arabia and interest in other brands under the Spartan umbrella.
• Challenges faced when preparing for OCR and trail events at night.
• Addressing feedback from athletes and handling tough questions professionally.
• Anecdotes about events in Oman and the significance of event volunteers.
• Rayyan's most memorable events in the Middle East.
• Rayyan's role in bringing HYROX to the Middle East and the importance of expanding as a business.
• The remarkable turnout at the first event in Dubai and comparing preparation times between Spartan OCR events and Hybrid events.
• Rayyan's insights on what it would take to produce a World Champion from the UAE and the Middle East.
• Honest thoughts on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
• A positive message for fellow competitors in the Obstacle Course Race space.
• Thoughts on the possibilities of World Championship events for Spartan OCR and Hyrox events in the coming years.
• Rayyan's anticipation for upcoming events in the Middle East.
• Observations on the growth of the second generation of athletes and World Champion Sergei in the MENA region.
• Sharing two inspirational quotes and the significance of reading books for knowledge.
• Rayyan's favourite genre of music and his passion for books, as well as the possibility of a haunted house-themed event in the UAE.

Thank you