Now unveiled, Challenge Philippines is the third Asian event of the globally expanding Challenge Family series of events. The half distance event is scheduled for 22 February 2014. As noted by the event organisers, it ‘will surely become a must-do for those triathletes who want to experience one of the most beautiful and iconic tri courses in Asia!’
This latest expansion into Asia follows the unveiling of Challenge Taiwan and Challenge Half Taiwan at the end of 2012 and Challenge Family’s partnership with Asia’s longest running triathlon to create the Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest from 24 November – 1 December 2013.
Challenge Philippines will adopt the ‘Challenge Your Self, Race for a Cause’ theme, with athletes encouraged to fund-raise for worthy causes. The event will be the climax of a week-long celebration of lifestyle, cultural and community engagements and sport for the entire family: celebrating the ‘Pinoy Spirit’ and the traditions of the Philippines.
Taking place in the pristine protected waters of Subic’s IIanin Bay, the rolling hills and coastal jungle forests of Subic Bay and Bataan, Challenge Philippines marks Challenge Family’s first triathlon event in the Philippines.
Subic Bay and Bataan are recognized as key active lifestyle destinations of the Philippines. Known for enchanting and challenging terrain and coastal vistas, the area has long been a place where the country’s best athletes visit to train, race and relax.
The Challenge Philippines course reflects the efforts by Challenge Philippines organisers, Endurance Entertainment Asia (EEA), to deliver the ‘best all-around event experiences to the athletes and the Subic Bay and Bataan stakeholders.’
“We deliberately looked on how to bring an iconic Challenge Philippines event to the area with the best economic impacts,” said Dave Voth, EEA CEO.
“From first contact to finishing line, we wanted a unique and completely new course designed by athletes for athletes and the best possible race experience; this was our desired objective.”
“We are very pleased to have the very distinguished global event Challenge Philippines come to Subic Bay and feature our Freeport and former historic Naval Magazine area,” said Roberto V Garcia, Chairman and Administrator Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
“We have long hosted many world-class events here and see Challenge Philippines a continuation of our strategy. The significant economic and global media impact is a benefit that will reach all within the Freeport area. We know the Challenge Philippines broadcast will reach millions of viewers around the world and have a positive effect on our entire Freeport. We know this will be a great success.”
“Bringing to the Philippines the best possible triathlon experience and making a positive impact to the area rank as our top key objectives,” added Raymund Magdaluyo, Director of EEA.
“We wanted to headquarter Challenge Philippines in Subic and Bataan, as there is so much to offer. As a business owner in Subic, I am sensitive to disruptions and we wanted to make sure that we brought the best of a great world-class event to Subic Bay, but without the downsides, like bad traffic. We also wanted to ensure the significant economic impact reaches all of the region not just one hotel or area.”
Arguably one of the most beautiful swimming course in Asia, the course starts from the white sand beaches of Camayan Beach Resort and ventures into IIanin Bay and the pristine waters of a protected marine area. Swimming in clear waters over reefs, historic ship wrecks and giant clams, will prove to be a memorable experience for athletes.
The bike course runs parallel to the coastline into Bataan, including the village of Morong and scenic province settings. Full of magnificent vistas, the rolling bike route heads back to Subic and the International Airport coastal road where athletes will turn and head back to Adventure Beach.
The run will take triathletes along a course that no one has raced before: a shaded forest run through the IIanin Forest on rolling shaded paved roads in the old Navy Magazine area. The run course will be fully closed to cars or traffic and is all within the protected forest reserve.
Along with the Challenge Philippines, there will be other events in support of the Challenge Philippines Lifestyle Festival week.
“Event week is for everyone, we have events of shorter distances, fun runs, open water swims and a relay format where friends and family can team up, [plus] cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, music, food and fun,” said EEA Director Marvin Agustin.
“We want everyone to participate and have fun! The whole idea is to ‘Challenge Yourself and Race for a Cause.’ It’s important to give back and our intention is to make this much more than a race!”
Four times world champion and Challenge Family Ambassador, Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack knows the area well and already has the race on his bucket list. “I can’t believe the natural beauty of this course,” he said. “It’s truly a tropical paradise and definitely somewhere I look forward to bringing the whole family to. Asia is crying out for quality race experiences and Challenge Philippines will join Challenge Taiwan and Challenge Phuket in delivering just that.”
Tinny Tung, Challenge Philippines Event Director and Co Race Director, said Challenge Philippines reflects the global recognition of the Philippines as one of the fastest growing triathlon markets in the world. “The race course has been created to deliver the best experience in triathlon,” Tung said.
“The crystal clear, protected ocean swim, and a challenging yet beautiful bike and run course will deliver one of the best experiences to triathletes coming from different parts of the world. The proximity to Manila and Clark International Airports, with many carrier routes from all over Asia Pacific, combined with the iconic race course makes this the perfect ‘must do’ destination race in Asia.”
“We are delighted to work with our partners Dave Voth and Endurance Entertainment Asia (EEA) given their vast collective experience in the triathlon, sports, lifestyle and entertainment industries,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. “We’re excited to have such a strong presence in the Philippines in such an idyllic location and we look forward to introducing athletes throughout Philippines and Asia to the unique Challenge Family race experience.”
The Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons is aiming to change the face of long distance racing around the world with its focus on the athlete experience. Featuring spectacular courses in iconic destinations, Challenge Family events aim to deliver the race of a lifetime to every athlete, and create a memorable spectator experience that captures all the excitement and emotion of this inspirational sport.
The Challenge Family series currently features 21 events around the world including the world’s largest long distance triathlon, Challenge Roth in Germany. Other Challenge Family races take place in Germany, Austria, Canada, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia and now the Philippines.
www.challengephilippines.com.ph
www.challenge-family.com
