This weekend will see the inaugural Challenge Weymouth event take place on England’s south coast. Alongside the 1500 age group competitors racing over both the Challenge full and Challenge half distance races, a strong pro field of 12 men and seven women will vie for the top spot on the podium.
The racing can be followed live via the event website, www.challengetriuk.com. With the pro race starting at 06:30 GMT on Sunday 14 September, and updates being posted throughout the race.
Earlier in August the event received a boost before it had event hit the water with its first event in Weymouth. It was confirmed by Challenge Family, local organiser Just Racing UK, the European Triathlon Union (ETU) and British Triathlon have confirmed that Challenge Weymouth UK will host the 2015 ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships on Sunday 13 September 2015.
The Challenge Weymouth organising team at Just Racing UK has worked closely with the local and Dorset highways authorities in Weymouth, southern England, to finalise the best and safest routes in which to host the event.
Alan Rose, Event Director for Challenge Weymouth said, “We have spent a huge amount of time down in Weymouth, receiving a very warm welcome from the local area. I can say with confidence that we have picked the very best course too, in an area which is proud of its ‘Olympic Legacy’, having been a host venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.”
Alan continued, “It is a course that will not only show the historic beauty of the extraordinary Jurassic coastline, but also allow for some fast times and most importantly a memorable race for all.”
Alan noted that the bike course will consist of two laps, with approximately 1800m of climbing, over 400m less than that the previous Challenge UK event in Henley.
What makes the run course especially welcoming though, is the entertainment planned along the way as the team plan to facilitate a real party atmosphere, with special ‘Support Zones’ and the aptly named ‘Beer Mile’.
Alan added, “‘Beer Mile’ is a mile long segment of the course, which starts at the Quay Side and follows through the town centre, so-called as runners will be welcomed by the electric atmosphere of the many food and drink outlets and entertainment activities.
“Support Zones are specially set aside areas of music and entertainment. This is not just a race, it is a festival of activity, and athletes will be able to enjoy this when they need it most.”
Alan concluded, “We want the Challenge Weymouth Event to become the leading long distance event in the UK. And can’t wait to welcome you all down to Weymouth.”
