The organisers of Challenge Penticton Canada note that the event ‘has launched a new era of triathlon… with the first Challenge Family race in North America now under way.’
Thousands lined the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton, British Columbia, to witness history unfold, as the pros and age-group athletes entered the water for the inaugural outing of a Challenge Family long distance tri event in North America.
“Today marks a whole new journey for the sport of triathlon in North America,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshöfer. “The Challenge Family has officially launched in another continent, bringing enhanced race experiences to a whole new group of athletes. We cannot wait to welcome them into the family at the finish line.”
The day began with water temperatures recorded at 22 degrees Celsius, allowing for a wetsuit swim for pros and age-groupers.
The Challenge Penticton course itself is technically challenging due to its geography and climate, and is well renowned for its single loop through the mountainous British Columbia region. The swim took place in the pristine Okanagan Lake, which records warm water temperatures throughout the summer.
The bike course featured two steep climbs at Richter Pass and Yellow Lake with elevation ascents over 210 metres high. The run included an out-and-back along the gorgeous Skaha Lake to the south.
The launch of Challenge Penticton sees it as the exclusive long distance Challenge race in Canada, and marks the long-distance race returning to its roots with community support and ownership. Challenge Penticton is planning a new race experience to a time-honoured course, which has travelled through the heart of B.C. wine country and along stunning lakes for 30 years – standing as the longest running triathlon in North America.
(Penticton has historically been the home of Challenge Family’s long distance tri rival Ironman, and was formerly the home of the Ironman Canada event. Challenge’s new Penticton event replaced the original Ironman Canada as the long-distance race of choice for the Canadian town from 2013 onwards. In October 2012, Ironman brand owner World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) unveiled Whistler, British Columbia as the new venue of the Ironman Canada triathlon.)
Thousands lined the shores of Okanagan Lake and Penticton streets to witness the new Challenge race hit Canada. The event organisers reported that online traffic – with friends and family looking for race updates – soared over the 1 million visitor mark.
Relays also hit the Challenge Penticton course with blistering speed, bringing team competition to a whole new level for the debut of long-distance relays in North America.
Challenge Penticton Canada is part of the global series of long-distance triathlons within the Challenge Family, with the inaugural race in North America taking place on 25 August 2013. Challenge Penticton Canada is a not-for-profit society ‘committed to providing an exceptional race experience for athletes, the supporters, and the community, with the mandate to give back to local sport-related charities.’
The Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons features races throughout Europe, North America and Australasia. Challenge Family races are known for their excellent athlete race experience and commitment to the communities in which they take place.
